First-Person Tornado Videos From Joplin, MO [GRAPHIC LANGUAGE]

When I was younger, I used to think that I wanted to chase storms. I saw a lot of weird weather growing up in the boonies and I thought it would be cool to be that person chasing a tornado. After watching these videos, I am glad I didn't go down that road.  My thoughts go out to the people that had to deal with all of the crazy weather that has been happening.

The tornado that slammed Joplin, MO on May 22, like the others around the country recently, has resulted in stunning first-person video accounts. With the popularity of video capability on smart-phones (not to mention digital cameras) we are now not only seeing the damage closer than ever, but we are also seeing what it's like to wait for the storm, then experience it.

Below are some videos that show the intensity of the storms (during and after).

WARNING: Some videos contain graphic language.

Chopper arrives at the scene soon after the storms hit.

Terrifying audio shows the anxious wait for the storm, and the inevitable impact. [GRAPHIC LANGUAGE]

Resident records video of his unrecognizable neighborhood, while survivors wander the streets unsure what to do. [GRAPHIC LANGUAGE]

Eerily quiet footage shows the ruins of a gas station.

Weather Channel reporter Mike Bettes arrives on the scene an hour after the storms, and frantically searches for survivors in cars.

[Sources: Super Hits 105.3; New York Times; Buzzfeed]