When a thunderstorm is near, the thunderclap is loud. and sharp. When its far away, it's a low rumble. Ordinarily you can't hear thunder more than 10 or. 15 miles away. If you see a flash of lightning and hear thunder at just about the same moment, the. storm is right above you. Thunder is created when a small amount of air quantity is moved very quickly. Objects create. sound when they vibrate.