Some people swear they can feel the Empire State Building [L3 416 / sway] in the wind. The emergence of skyscrapers even led to a complaint known as [L3 417 / sky sickness], thought to be common among secretaries in highrises.
However, tests show that in a high wind the Empire State shifts no more than quarter of an inch off center - a total sway of one-half inch, tiny enough to solidify the building's reputation as an engineering masterpiece. In winds up to 30mph, the sway is less than one-tenth of an inch. The building is, in fact, so stable that a pencil placed on the ledge of the 101st story does not roll. The building, however, does [L3 418 / creak].
At such an elevated height, the weather can seem a little odd at times. The [L3 419 / updrafts] can cause snow to appear to be "falling" up. Static electricity is strong; lovers kissing might feel sparks arcing across their lips. And people who stick their hands through the fence sometimes see St Elmo's fire shooting from their fingertips.
