When Hurricane Milton was heading towards Florida, many inhabitants stiffened, but no one could predict the immense destruction it would bring, especially on the symbol of the Tampa Bay – Tropicana Field. Milton was initially predicted as a catastrophic hurricane category 5 and made Landfall as a weakened category 3, but his rage was undeniable.
The storm caused confusion all over the state and left a large devastation after his furrow.
Among the most shocking images that appeared from the consequences were videos and photographs showing an iconic stadium that was supposed to provide refuge for thousands, carrying the onslaught of Milton’s relentless winds.
What was supposed to be a safe refuge for 10,000 people soon became another victim of the great strength of the storm.
Tropicana Field suffers serious structural damage to Hurricane Milton
Tropicana Field, designed to hide 10,000 people in Tampa Bay, there was significant structural damage when Hurricane Milton hit.
The hurricane performed Landfall in Florida on October 9, which made much to evacuate his homes. Hurricane Milton was initially classified as a storm of category five, at the time it hit, weakened to category three, but it still caused widespread destruction throughout the state.
One of the most affected areas was Tropicana Field, Home for Tampa Bay rays. The stadium was used as a shelter for up to 10,000 locals when its vaulted roof was torn by intense wind.
Although the stadium has been designed to withstand winds up to 115 km / h, hurricane Milton brought porosses up to 120 km / h. The roof, known as the largest arched structure supported by the cable, was supported by 180 miles of cables connected by struts. While parts of the roof were torn, the metal frame of the stadium reportedly remained intact.
The view from our window as we ride out the storm. The roof of Tropicana Field is destroyed by the winds of #HurricaneMilton. Praying for Tampa Bay and all areas affected. Stay safe, everyone pic.twitter.com/uy0aNGMAuJ
— Dave Moore (@DaveMoore_83) October 10, 2024
Fortunately, Captain Garth Swingle of St. Petersburg Fire Rescue confirmed that all those hiding at the stadium were safe and the authorities were in communication with them.
Storm shots prevent the stadium spread online, and one video shows that parts of the roof are forcibly waving in the wind. “Looking from our window when we leave the storm,” he wrote one person on Twitter and shared a clip. “The roof of the Tropicana field is destroyed by the winds #hurricanemilton. Praying for Tampa Bay and all affected areas. Stay safe, everyone.”
When Hurricane Milton hit Land as a storm of category three, it caused more than 1,000,000 power outages. Until 10:00 EDT, the storm intensity was reduced to the second category.
The first accounts from those in the affected areas describe chaos. Matthew Cappucci, a resident of Sarasota, shared with the BBC: “The cement bench flew from the roof of the neighboring hotel and crashed beside me. Semaphors flew in the wind and pieces of people flew around me.
As a result of Hurricane Milton, the destruction that remains behind is a significant reminder of the power of nature and the vulnerability of even the most robust structures. While the iconic roof of Tropicana Field lasted a large part of the storm’s strength, the damage it suffered emphasizes the severity of the impact of a hurricane on Tampa Bay.
Fortunately, those who protected themselves at the stadium were reported safe, despite the scary wind and widespread devastation. The storm left over a million people without power and disrupted everyday life throughout the region. With the continuation of recovery efforts, the stories of resistance and survival remind us of the power of community in the face of disaster and the importance of remaining vigilant and ready for challenges that represent extreme weather events.