Water Heaters - Vent Question

I have a 12 year old gas hot water heater that works fine unless we have a strong south wind (which is common in oklahoma). The tank is in the garage and it vents through the roof on the south side of the house. When it's windy you can hear the wind blow down the pipe to the tank. I have put a baffle on top of the pipe but it dosen't really help. Can I vent directly into my attic or does it have to go outside? My only other option is to go electric. We have lived with this for 12 years and it's really getting old.

Donnie

YES you have to vent to outside. Assuming the vent was installed properly at the time of install, try buying a termination cap for high winds. You may have to raise the vent height also.