The openting Windows myth is based on the idea that the low pressure inside a tornado causes houses, where pressure remains high, to explode and that opening Windows equalizes pressure. This does not work for several reasons:
- It is wind and debris in a tornado that causes damage, not the pressure difference.
- The pressure difference created even inside a violent tornado is a fraction of what is needed to cause significant damage.
- Houses are not airtight, even with the Windows closed.
- A tornado strong enough to cause major damage will create plenty of openings and break the Windows anyway
- In a weak tornado or a glacing blow, opening Windows exposes the interior to strong winds, which can cause damage inside as well as outside.
