Family files $125 million lawsuit against Weather Channel after deadly storm chaser crash
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) - In March of 2017, Weather Channel storm chasers Randall Yarnall and Kelley Williamson were in a car crash with another man, Corbin Jaeger in Texas.
All of them were killed in the crash.
Now, Jaeger's family is suing the Weather Channel, claiming its chasers blew through a stop sign.
The family is seeking $125 million from the company.
With severe storm season upon us, meteorologists say there are some things to keep in mind if you're going to be out on the roads.
"Being in a vehicle around a storm in any situation is one of the most dangerous situations you can get in, because of all the hazards," said Rick Smith, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Norman.
Smith says it's always safer to stay home, but storm chasing has grown in popularity.
"We really have a whole range of people out there," Smith said. "The problem is, we get so many people out there that it leads to all kinds of problems like the roads being congested, traffic issues, things like that."
Smith says when you add conditions like hail, strong winds and lightning, that congestion can get even more dangerous.
Sometimes chasers can get caught up in the moment, but that's no reason to ignore the rules of the road.
"The rules apply all the time, regardless if there's a storm or not," Smith said. "So, it's never okay to stop in the road, it's never okay to speed and drive dangerously. Again, around these storms, speeding driving dangerously, not paying attention to the roads,"
Rick Smith says the most congested they've seen it is when a severe storm hits the Oklahoma City Metro area over the weekend or a holiday.
The Weather Channel released a statement Tuesday night saying "We are saddened by the loss of Corbin Jaeger, Kelley Williamson, and Randy Yarnall. They were beloved members of the weather community and our deepest sympathies go out to the families and loved ones of all involved. We cannot comment on pending litigation."