Three storm chasers have been killed in a car crash while apparently driving towards a tornado in Texas, police said.

Kelley Gene Williamson, 57, drove through a stop sign with his co-presenter for The Weather Channel, 55-year-old Randall Delane Yarnall.

Their Chevrolet Suburban smashed into a jeep driven by 25-year-old Corbin Lee Jaeger at a rural crossroads near the town of Spur, in Dickens County.

Image: Kelley Gene Williamson (L) and Randall Delane Yarnall (R). Pic: The Weather Channel

All three were pronounced dead at the scene.

Tornadoes and heavy rain had been reported in the area at the time on Tuesday.


Sergeant John Gonzalez, of the Department of Public Safety, told CBS Dallas the severe weather did not directly cause the crash, but the men were driving towards a tornado and failed to stop at traffic lights.

"We would encourage anyone driving down these remote roads to slow down and pay attention to traffic signs especially in inclement weather. It can be dangerous for all involved," he said.

The Weather Channel paid tribute to Mr Williamson and Mr Yarnall.

"Kelley and Randy were beloved members of the weather community. We are saddened by this loss and our deepest sympathies go out to the families and loved ones of all involved," it said in a statement.

The pair, from Missouri, also featured in the TV show Storm Wranglers.