The interior of a stadium that was intended to serve as a base camp for 10,000 first responders during Hurricane Milton has been left severely damaged.
Hurricane Milton struck Florida’s coast on October 9 as a category three storm, causing destruction in the Tampa Bay region before moving towards Orlando.
Residents were advised to evacuate, and Tropicana Field stadium was set to accommodate up to 10,000 first responders in need of shelter. Unfortunately, the storm tore off the roof, and a video captured by a security agent highlights the extensive damage.
Earlier, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the domed stadium, home to the Tampa Bay Rays in St Petersburg, would serve as a base camp for the first responders.
However, when Hurricane Milton hit the area last night, the stadium’s roof was compromised, and footage from inside, recorded by a security agent, has shown the alarming extent of the destruction.
The video, which was posted by the security firm’s owner, depicts the roof ‘shredded to pieces,’ with torn fabric and debris scattered everywhere. Concerned individuals have been commenting on the post.
“My prayers go out to you all. Godspeed!” shared one Twitter user.
Another commented: “Oh my God..Praying for everyone’s Safety.”
Upon arriving at the stadium, storm chaser Jonathan Petramala told CNN that witnessing the stadium being torn apart was ‘one of the most surreal things ever’.
The storm has reached speeds of up to 180 mph, prompting experts to consider the possibility of introducing a category six on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
CBS News reports that Hurricane Milton hit land with sustained wind speeds of 120 mph.
Supported by 180 miles of cabling, the stadium is described by the Rays as having the ‘world’s largest cable-supported dome roof’, designed to endure winds up to 115 mph.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell warned on BBC Radio 4’s Today program: “The wind, even though it’s decreasing, the threats are not decreasing.”
She added: “With the increased amount of rain, with the threat of flash flooding happening, you need to stay put. Don’t go out, try to make sure you’re as safe as possible.”
Currently, there have been no reported injuries due to the roof damage at the stadium.
A city spokesperson advised residents to steer clear of the downtown St Petersburg area.
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