Chasing His Passion: OVCA Student Max Archer and the Storms That Inspire Him

Most people run for shelter when severe weather strikes, but Max Archer heads straight into the storm. Max, a high schooler in OVCA’s Flex Program, has turned his fascination with severe weather into an exciting and impactful passion for storm chasing.

His journey started close to home after the 2016 Elk City tornado devastated his grandparents’ home, leaving a lasting impression and igniting a curiosity about meteorology and weather safety.

Max’s storm-chasing adventures have taken him across the U.S., from tornado alleys to hurricane zones. Equipped with a 2015 Chevy Duramax truck, advanced weather instruments and cameras, he has documented the raw power of hurricanes like Milton, where he faced winds exceeding 140 mph and observed storm surges and flooding firsthand. Whether capturing power flashes or wind speeds, Max is dedicated to understanding and sharing the science behind severe weather events.

OVCA’s Flex Program has played a pivotal role in Max’s ability to pursue storm chasing. The program allows him to tailor his schedule, balancing education with his passion. Max can attend required classes while adjusting his studies around storm events, enabling him to excel both academically and as an aspiring meteorologist. Inspired by professional chasers like Reed Timmer, Max plans to continue his education at the University of Oklahoma to earn a degree in meteorology.

Through his unique journey, Max exemplifies the power of combining education with personal interests, proving that learning can happen anywhere—even in the heart of a storm.

You can also check out coverage of Max’s story in the link(s) below:

• Fox 25: Oklahoma teen finds passion in storm chasing after tornado hit grandparents’ home
• News 9: OKC Teen Chases Tornadoes While Chasing Meteorology Dreams