Seven Incredible Videos of the Tornadoes That Rocked the Midwest

Unseasonable weather spawned dozens of tornadoes that ripped through the Midwest Sunday, knocking out power for thousands in seven states, destroying homes and killing at least six people.

Naturally, those surprised by the rash of mid-November twisters whipped out their cameras to take footage of the weather phenomenon.

This monster started as four separate tornadoes that coalesced into one near Minonk, Ill., according to Karla Konieczki(Content warning: some strong language):

This shows another angle of the one near Minooka with warning sirens screaming in the background (Content warning: strong language):

Here's a twister near Washington, Ill., filmed by Richard Williams from his home:

This tornado was filmed by KDR Media chaser Adam Lucio from outside of Roanoke, Ill., northeast to Washington, Ill. (Content warning: strong language):

This one comes from Sheridan, Ind., filmed by Nick Slone. It was one of two that formed from a parent supercell, according to Slone:

Purdue University Atmospheric Science students and severe weather spotters Steve Abston, David Siple and Steve Abston spotted a swirl in Elizaville, Ind. "I got chills man," one person said. (Content warning: strong language):

It is unclear what state this footage was taken in, but it gives you a sense of a family's reaction to the tornado (Content warning: strong language):

The tornadoes hit Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, Kentucky and Missouri.

The White House issued a statement saying President Barack Obama had been briefed about the damage, especially that in Illinois, and was in touch with federal, state and local officials.

Weather service meteorologist Matt Friedlein said such strong storms are rare this late in the year because there usually isn't enough heat from the sun to sustain the thunderstorms. But he said temperatures Sunday were expected to reach into the 60s and 70s, which he said is warm enough to help produce severe weather when it is coupled with winds, which are typically stronger this time of year than in the summer.

"You don't need temperatures in the 80s and 90s to produce severe weather (because) the strong winds compensate for the lack of heating," Friedlein said. "That sets the stage for what we call wind shear, which may produce tornadoes."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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