Is it OK to use the computer?

Question

I'm here in Cape Cod, MA we have a severe weather alert right now. I'm using comcast cable internet, do you think it's safe? Oh & my computer is right next to a window =\ This is what the alert says.

* AT 336 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE HAIL...AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR MATTAPOISETT...OR 9 MILES EAST OF NEW BEDFORD...AND MOVING SOUTHEAST AT 63 MPH.

THIS IS A DANGEROUS STORM. IF YOU ARE IN ITS PATH...PREPARE IMMEDIATELY FOR DAMAGING WINDS...DESTRUCTIVE HAIL AND DEADLY CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING. GO INDOORS NOW...PREFERABLY INSIDE A STRONG BUILDING AND STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

Answer 1

get off the computer. it can damage the computer if the power goes off, and the computer is on

If there is thunder, thbere is lightning.

Answer 2

you are stupid for asking this

in the last sentence it say STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS

didnt you say your computer is near a window?

idiot

Answer 3

Hide under the covers Now! i would.

Answer 4

Make sure your pc is off and you are not by a window. Lighting will only strike the highest point. The only danger you're in, is if the window were to smash. DON'T PANIC

Answer 5

youll be fine.  its extremely unlikely youll be hit by lightning.  

Answer 6

Lighting can come into your home in several different ways, phone, cable and power lines can cause damage to everything that's connected to them, be they on or off.  Ever been close to lightning just before it strikes nearby, an electrical charge is built up in the area than sometimes you can feel, like a tingling and small hairs standing up on your body.  Well this also can effect an electronics running at the time in adverse ways. So, you be the judge, your pretty safe, weather did mention hail and high wind, but most windows should be able to handle the conditions described. Lightning can damage electronics indirectly and is rare that it will strike your home directly.  So if your really worried, stay inside, close all windows, including the "Windows" on your computer.  and shut it off.  Personally, I need a reason to buy another computer, so I'll keep mine on!  :)

Answer 7

I'd say the most dangerous thing for you right now is something getting blown through the window showering you with glass and debris. Maybe this isn't likely, and probably not deadly, but common sense says why take the risk when you can walk to a different room for a while?

The greatest danger is going to be for your computer. If lightning hits the power lines or any of that equipment that goes along with them, there is a very real danger that it will fry your computer. Even if you have surge protectors, they are probably only capable of dealing with standard power flickers caused by suicidal squirrels, not something like lightning.

A note on the additional details:

You can't "see" wind. Nor is damaging wind specifically associated with lightning, thunder, or hail. If there is a huge gust coming, you probably won't know about it until it is too late to take precautionary actions.