Storm-chasers catch US tornado up close

A group of storm-chasers captured terrifying footage of a tornado as it crossed a busy highway in the US state of Illinois.

The footage by Live Storms Media shows the men driving right toward the huge storm - which hit parts of the country's Midwest last night.

At one point, one of the team claims he can see a car being lifted into the air.

(Caution: Footage contains some bad language)

Credit: Tyler Olson/Live Storms Media

Later on, a truck is seen falling over, at which point the team shouts: "He's over! Call 911. Go, go, go."

It is currently unclear what happened to the driver.

(Caution: Footage contains some bad language)

Credit: Tyler Olson/Live Storms Media

The storm killed one person in the nearby town of Fairdale, while several more were injured.

Around 15 to 20 houses in the town of around were 200 residents were totally destroyed, local fire services said.