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It doesn't: that is a myth.

The idea stems from the fact that the pressure inside a tornado is very low and the higher pressure inside a house will cause it to explode unless windows are open to relive pressure.

The truth is that the winds and debris of a tornado are what cause damage, not the pressure difference. Even in a relatively weak tornado that will cause only moderate damage the windows are likely to break anyway. In fact, in the case of a weak tornado or indirect hit that would not break windows, leaving them open allows strong winds to enter the house and cause damage on the inside.

The pressure drop in a tornado is not great enough to cause damage and even then, houses are not airtight, and pressure can equalize on its own fairly quickly. The greatest pressure drops come in the strongest tornadoes, which can easily tear apart a house with their winds regardless of any pressure difference within the structure.

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Why do you need to hide where there are no windows during a tornado?

Windows can break easily even in a weak tornado. The broken glass, which can be carried by the wind at high speed, can pose a serious risk of injury or death. Additionally, since windows are so fragile the offer virtually no protection from debris. While a wall will stop most projectiles, a glass pane will not, and flying debris is the thing most likely to kill you in a tornado.


Why is a closet a good place to be in a tornado?

A closet can provide protection from flying debris and collapsing structures during a tornado due to its enclosed structure and lack of windows. Additionally, closets are typically located in the interior of a building, which is generally safer during a tornado.


What is the safest corner of the room during a tornado?

The safest corner of the room during a tornado is typically an interior room on the lowest level of the building, away from windows and exterior walls. Seek shelter in a small, windowless, and centrally located area like a bathroom or closet.


How do you protect a tornado from a house?

To protect a house from a tornado, reinforce the roof, doors, and windows with stronger materials like impact-resistant glass, metal doors, and reinforced roofing. Additionally, consider installing storm shutters, a safe room, or underground shelter for added protection. Regularly maintaining trees and other structures around the house to prevent them from becoming projectiles during a tornado is also important.


Can you be killed if your in a classroom while a tornado is outside?

Being in a classroom during a tornado can be dangerous, but the likelihood of being killed depends on various factors such as the building's construction, the intensity of the tornado, and your proximity to windows or doors. It is generally safer to stay away from windows, seek shelter in an interior room, and follow safety protocols advised by authorities in such situations.

Related Questions

Why is opening the windows during a tornado a myth?

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 anywayIn a weak tornado or a glacing blow, opening windows exposes the interior to strong winds, which can cause damage inside as well as outside.


Why should you not open windows when a tornado is approaching?

You shouldn't. Contrary to popular belief opening windows during a tornado does nothing to save a house and may in fact make damage worse. If a tornado is coming opening windows is a waste of precious time that you should use to take cover.


Is it better to open or close your windows during a heatwave?

Windows are best left closed in a tornado. If you are not hit hard, the windows can prevent interior damage. If you are hit hard by a strong enough tornado some windows will break anyway. But if a tornado is coming it is best not to waste time opening or closing windows. Take cover immediately.


Is it a good idea to open your windows during a tornado?

No, it is not a good idea to open your windows during a tornado. Doing so could increase the likelihood of debris entering your home and causing damage or injury. It is better to seek shelter in a safe, interior room away from windows.


Are windows to be closed during tornado?

yes In the case of a weak tornado a closed window can prevent damaging winds form entering the house. Though if a tornado is coming do not waste time with the windows. Take cover immediately.


Why are people in a building threatened by a tornado told to open their windows to minimize damage?

This is based on the old and now disproven idea that the low pressure inside a tornado caused buildings to explode. The idea holds that as a tornado passes over, the pressure outside drops radily, while pressure remains high inside the building, and that opening windows would relieve this pressure difference. This idea has been disproven, and officials now advise against opening windows during a tornado. There are several reasons for this. First, the pressure drop inside a tornado is not large enough to inflict any significant damage on a stroncutre. Second, buildings are not airtight, and pressure will equalize fairly quickly. If a tornado is strong enough to cause significant damage, the windows will likely break anyway Tornadoes cause damage through wind and debris, not through pressure drop. It has actually been shown that if the tornado is weak enough that windows remain intact, or if the worst of the tornado misses, opening windows allows wind to enter the building and cause damage on the inside. Additionally, opening windows wastes precious time that should be spent getting to a safe place.


How can I prevent condensation on the inside of my windows during the winter months?

To prevent condensation on your windows in winter, you can improve ventilation by opening windows briefly, use a dehumidifier, or install storm windows. Additionally, using insulating window coverings and keeping indoor humidity levels low can help reduce condensation.


Why do windows implode during a tornado?

Windows can implode during a tornado due to the extreme pressure differences created by the high winds. As the tornado passes over or near a building, the fast-moving winds outside can create lower pressure, causing the windows to blow inwards. Additionally, the force of debris carried by the tornado can also impact and break the windows, leading to implosion.


What should you do if you are in a gymnasium during a tornado?

Get into a hallway or bathroom way from windows. A gymnasium can be a dangerous place during a tornado as the long span roof and tall walls can collapse.


Why do you need to hide where there are no windows during a tornado?

Windows can break easily even in a weak tornado. The broken glass, which can be carried by the wind at high speed, can pose a serious risk of injury or death. Additionally, since windows are so fragile the offer virtually no protection from debris. While a wall will stop most projectiles, a glass pane will not, and flying debris is the thing most likely to kill you in a tornado.


Where is the best place to be if you are in a school during a tornado?

An interior bathroom or hallway away from windows.


Why are people in buildings threatened by a tornado told to open windows to minimize damage?

This is based on the outdated belief that the low pressure inside a tornado causes buildings to essentially explode and that opening windows relieves this pressure difference.This is simply not true.First, evidence so far shows that the pressure inside tornadoes in not low enough to cause damage in such a way.Second, buildings are not airtight so the pressure difference will be relived fairly easily anyway.Tornado damage is cause mainly by powerful winds and flying debris.In a strong tornado the windows will usually break anyway and the building will likely take heavy damage regardless.It may in fact be better to leave windows closed, as in a weak tornado or a glancing blow the windows may hold up and prevent strong winds from entering a building and causing damage inside.Finally, if you are threatened by a tornado you should get to safety immediately and stay away from windows. Trying to open windows only wastes time and puts you at a greater risk.