[RayChuang88]

The major danger is more than just an impact. What happens if a relatively small meteor explodes during atmospheric entry at speeds above 33,000 mph at just the right altitude? Imagine a meteor exploding with the force of the W80 warhead from the AGM-86 ALCM cruise missile at maybe at most a mile off the ground--the shockwave from the circa 150 kT equivalent blast could could flatten wooden and brick buildings and severely damage steel-and-concrete structures.

[BenLurkin]

yup. Cherbylinsk came very close to being flattened in just that way.