A sealed house acts as a unified box. Once a window is opened, wind enters at high speeds, creating internal pressure that pushes up on the roof and out on the walls.
The short answer is:
Houses do not "explode" from air pressure changes. They are destroyed when high-capacity winds enter the building and lift the roof from the inside. should windows be open or closed during a tornado
Opening windows actually increases the danger to you and your home in several ways: A sealed house acts as a unified box
: Homes are not airtight and have enough natural venting to manage most atmospheric pressure changes. Most tornado damage is caused by violent horizontal winds and flying debris, not the pressure drop itself. Why Opening Windows Is Dangerous wind enters at high speeds