drichard:
Running from the storm increases the likelihood of a capsize - even more so than taking the waves side-on. If the absence of shelter, taking a "nose in" approach to the prevailing seas/winds is the safest option.
I'm no expert, but I've read wise words by those who are experts and have been out there in anything up to a hurricane/typhoon. In a medium or large ship with the usual high bow, butting straight into the wind and sea (if they're coming from the same direction) is often the right choice; in a sailing vessel, especially a small yacht, it can be different. You're right that running from a storm increases the likelihood of a capsize: it's a dangerous option, not to be undertaken by the inexperienced: the vessel needs constant skilled handling, which is very tiring: but all the same it can be done and may be the best option
in certain conditions.
What everyone who knows seems to agree on is that there's no knee-jerk "safest option" in all cases under all conditons – a competent captain and crew will choose to do what suits their vessel under the prevailing conditions at the time, which is the general principle that's relevant to this thread.