Silicone beading on outside???
there should have been some type of gasket used when they were installed to prevent water intrusion--
how old are they?
do you know who did the installation?

There is a substantial over hang and the windows are set back, so unless there is a horizontal rain storm you shouldn't have a problem as far as I can see.

The entrance area should have been laid with a slight slope away from the front door to make sure any water drains away.

There should be a positive slope from the window sill away from the window. If there isn't, you will have water infiltration sooner or later. The window sill should also be slightly raised. There are some very high end window systems that are completely flush, and they solve the water problem by having a hidden continuous gutter below the windows, and the water is piped away from that gutter.

Thank you all very much for the input. The windows I'm asking about are in the planning stages. The photo above was just a reference I copied from another Houzz post. The windows we plan do not have the benefit of a large overhang or deep porch, though the sloping you mention is a possibility. Finne Architects, the windows we're bidding right now are Fleetwood, a high end product but one we've still been cautioned about regarding water control at ground level. Several sources keep encouraging us to begin the windows at least a few inches off the ground, which changes the more modern look of expansive glass we'd envisioned. I'm looking for specific installation advice that offers the greatest water control.