Can strong winds lift roof tiles without blowing them off?
Yes. Wind uplift can disturb tiles or their fixings without completely removing them. The roof may appear intact from the ground while gaps or movement allow wind-driven rain to enter during later storms.
Damage you cannot see from the ground
Wind acts on a roof by lifting rather than pushing. Tiles can be raised and dropped back into place, fixings can be loosened and nibs can break without anything looking obviously wrong from the pavement.
The result is a roof that appears intact but leaks in the next spell of driving rain, which is why post-storm problems often surface weeks later.
Checking after high winds
Look for units sitting slightly proud or out of line, debris in gutters, and any new staining in the loft. A closer inspection is worthwhile on exposed properties after a severe event.
Photographs taken soon after the storm are also useful if a claim becomes necessary later.