Why do we have to stay away from windows during a thunderstorm?

Question

?? i've heard its not safe to be by them during storms why is this

Answer 1

Michael R is correct. Thunderstorms are often associated with strong winds which may cause windows to shatter from any debris that the winds picked up. The debris from the window may cause serious injuries if someone was standing right beside it. Lightning cannot strike through a  closed window, so this is not the reason that you should stay away from windows. However, if the window happened to be open, lightning may strike you; although this is rare.

*LIGHTNING/ THUNDERSTORM SAFETY*

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/edu/safety/ligh...

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/srh/jetstream/li...

http://www.disastercenter.com/guide/thun...

http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/more...

http://www.lightningsafety.com/

http://science.nasa.gov/newhome/headline...

http://www.lightningtalks.com/lightningf...

http://sky-fire.tv/index.cgi/lightning.h...

http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/0075...

http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/e...

Answer 2

This is supposed to protect you from getting struck by lightning, but its not a problem to stand by windows as long as they are closed.

Answer 3

It depends on the intensity of the storm. Now, during a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING, you definitely want to stay away from windows, no matter how exciting it seems. Winds 60 to 80 MPH can blow the window glass inwards and sometimes hail can shatter a window...and could get you scratched or blinded by the glass pieces severely.

Answer 4

There's the risk of wind, hail, or lightning itself breaking windows and causing injury to those standing near them. Speaking of which, I saw some rare lightning last night here in Minneapolis where I live. Last night, it was a mixture of rain, sleet, and snow with thunder and lightning! I've never seen lightning or heard thunder here in April or during winter-like weather. It was truly bizarre!