Story submission by Alisha Call, USD 470
Sean Waugh, a 2005 graduate of Arkansas City High School, always felt a pull toward the mysteries of the weather. Yet, even in his wildest dreams, he never imagined he’d be chasing down tornadoes or walking the red carpet at a movie premiere for a film he helped bring to life.
With a PhD in Meteorology, Sean now plays a pivotal role at the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory, delving into the science behind the most intense weather events. His journey from a small Kansas town to the forefront of severe weather research is a story of relentless passion, determination, and a profound love for understanding the forces that shape our world.
Sean’s fascination with weather began on his grandfather’s wheat farm in central Kansas. As a young child, he witnessed firsthand the anxiety hailstorms could bring to a farmer worried about his crops.
Sean vividly remembered a particular day when a big storm narrowly missed the farm, and his grandfather, frustrated with the inaccurate forecast, grumbled about the weatherman.
At that moment, young Sean declared, “I’m going to be a weatherman and I’m going to get it right every day!”
This declaration was more than just a child’s quip; it was the spark of what has proven to be an incredible career.
In his hometown of Ark City, Sean was influenced not only by his mother, who modeled fierce independence, but also by inspiring teachers like Mrs. Santiago, Mr. Bartel, and Mr. Stinemetze.
“These teachers ignited my passion for science and encouraged me to pursue learning independently,” Sean said. “They taught me how to ask questions and think critically, fostering a sense of self-reliance that has been invaluable at work and in life.”
After high school, Sean moved to Norman, Oklahoma, to attend the University of Oklahoma (OU). There, his eyes were opened to a huge world within meteorology beyond the TV forecasts he had grown up watching. He immersed himself in the study of severe weather, eventually earning his PhD in Meteorology in 2016.
Now at the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory, a leading center for severe weather research, Sean plays a crucial role. He has designed and built specialized equipment to collect data on events like tornadoes and hurricanes.
The goal of these projects is to gain a better understanding of how and why severe storms occur, to improve warning lead times, and to enhance public safety. Additionally, Sean has developed a new tool to measure hailstones before they hit the ground, which could significantly advance the understanding and forecasting of hailstorms.
Sean’s career has been filled with memorable experiences, including a thrilling 2009 field project to understand tornadoes better. On one particular chase, Sean found himself leading a convoy of researchers, including an NPR reporter with no storm experience, through southeast Wyoming.
The team encountered baseball-sized and larger hail, which pummeled their vehicle, shattering windows and filling the car with glass. While the reporter justifiably crouched on the floorboard, Sean laughed and reveled in the excitement, a reminder of the awe-inspiring power of nature.
He said he’s had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people all over the world. One memorable encounter was with an elderly farmer standing on his porch watching a large hail storm seemingly without a care.
“We stopped during the hail storm and I noticed an old farmhouse to the side,” Sean said. “This old farmer, probably in his mid-eighties, was standing on this porch, wearing his big cowboy hat, just watching the storm.
Then, he saw one he liked so he meandered down into the yard, all while huge, missile-like hail stones were just pounding the ground and sending dirt up into the air. He picked up the stone, inspected it, then dropped it and headed back to the porch.
There was no hurry in his step and I remember thinking, for this guy to be so unfazed, what has he seen in his life?”
Sean’s expertise recently caught the attention of Hollywood. He provided technical guidance for the upcoming movie ‘Twisters,’ ensuring the film’s portrayal of storm chasing and meteorological tools was authentic. (Continue story below ads.)
Sean even built several props in his garage, all in the name of authenticity. His goal was to make the movie so accurate that neither the general public nor meteorologists could find faults in it. The experience of seeing his work on the big screen was surreal, and working with the cast, who he described as “incredible” was a highlight of his career.
Sean encourages everyone to watch ‘Twisters’. He wants to see it smash box office records.
“The cast is made up of truly good humans,” Sean said. “They were all so friendly and soaked up the information, wanting to know as much as possible. We even got to go storm chasing together. They’ve been an incredible family to work with. This experience is something I’ll cherish forever.”
To students considering a career in meteorology, Sean offered this advice: “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.” He acknowledged that getting comfortable in a place like Arkansas City can be easy, but true growth happens when you explore beyond the familiar.
Sean encouraged students to embrace opportunities, even if they seemed daunting, and to learn from failures, as these experiences often lead to unexpected and rewarding paths.
“If you would have told me 20 years ago that I’d be doing the job I’m doing now, I would have laughed,” Sean said. “You may not even know what options are available until you start moving in the right direction. Try new things and don’t be afraid to fail. Most of the time, what I try first doesn’t work. I just keep trying until I get it right.”
Over the past two decades, Sean has seen big changes in meteorology, especially in technology. Drones and advanced data collection have rapidly transformed the field. Sean is excited about the future and how new technologies will continue to expand research opportunities.
Beyond his professional achievements, Sean is proud of the balance he’s found between work and family. Creating his current role at the NOAA from scratch was one of his most significant accomplishments, but he equally valued the support and love from his family, which has kept him grounded.
His wife and daughter are central to his life, and he credits them with keeping him focused on what truly matters.
“I tend to get too wrapped up in work sometimes, but it’s really important to take a step back and focus on what truly matters,” Sean said. “For me, that’s my family. They support me and make it possible for me to keep doing all the things I love.”
Sean Waugh’s journey from Arkansas City to the forefront of meteorological research is a testament to the power of passion, education, and the willingness to embrace the unknown.
As he continues to push the boundaries of weather science, Sean remains a proud alum of Arkansas City Public Schools, grateful for the foundation it provided him. His story reminds us that with curiosity and determination, we can successfully navigate even the wildest storms.
