A storm chaser caught a tornado whipping past his truck.

Meteorologist Jock Williams said he encountered a rain-wrapped vortex in Joplin, Missouri, on April 29.

Footage shows tornadic winds battering the area, passing through herds of cows.

Branches from trees are seen being swept away by the gusts, while the homeowner can be heard screaming in fear as he witnesses the intense rear inflow jet.

The meteorologist documented the tornado passing just 0.2 miles to his north, while his anemometer recorded a powerful 102 mph wind gust.

Rear inflow jets, known to intensify storm downdrafts, are often driven by sharp pressure gradients and line-end vortices within mesoscale convective systems — aligning with the severe conditions Williams encountered.

The National Weather Service in St Louis had reportedly issued earlier warnings for severe thunderstorms, including the risk of tornadoes.

Missouri has a history of extreme weather events, including flooding and tornadic activity during the spring months.

Authorities have advised residents to remain alert, with more storms expected in the coming days.