Taylor Swift Encounters Tornado Outbreak, Raises Money for Victims

By Kelly Fisher Posted May 25th 2011 09:20AM

Taylor Swift's music video for 'Story of Us' tells the tale of an uncomfortable run-in with an ex, but in reality the singer and her crew found themselves in the middle of a downright scary situation of their own.

According to MTV, Swift was shooting scenes for the video at Vanderbilt University, located near her home in Nashville, Tenn. But filming was interrupted due to a weather emergency -- something people in the Midwest and South unfortunately know all about.

"There were a few complications. This was actually when a bunch of tornadoes were hitting Nashville,' Swift said about filming the video. "We had to hide. All of us, we had to hide in a room where there were no windows, so that was a little bit crazy."

The recent tornado tragedies across many states hit close to home for Swift, who took the stage last weekend for a benefit concert. According to E! Online, the singer turned what was technically the final dress rehearsal for her 'Speak Now' tour in Nashville into an event to help those affected by the recent tornado devastation in the South.

"I just felt, if there was any way that I could help with the damage done and all the families who've lost their homes, then I had to think of one," Swift said, whose said one of her backup dancer's families was affected by last months' Alabama tornadoes. "It came to me really quickly that here we are at a rehearsal in an arena where there are empty seats. What if we filled those empty seats and gave all the proceeds to the victims of the tornadoes?"

And it looks like her big heart certainly made a big difference.

"We don't have the final tally yet, but we do know, so far, that just based on tickets alone, you have raised over $750,000," she told the crowd at Saturday's concert. "So, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being with us tonight. I cannot tell you what a difference you are making to the lives of our loved ones in the Southeast."

Check out Swift's video for 'Story of Us' below.