ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Hurricane Milton made landfall in Siesta Key south of St. Petersburg, and while the city avoided some of the worst storm surges that doesn’t mean the city avoided major effects from the storm.
City officials confirmed high wind gusts from Hurricane Milton tore multiple panels off the roof of Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays. The fabric that serves as the domed stadium’s roof was ripped to shreds by the fierce winds. The extent of any damage inside wasn’t immediately known.
In a statement, the Tampa Bay Rays said it could take days or weeks to assess the damage.
During the past couple weeks, out beloved city, region and state have been impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. We are devastated by the damage incurred by so many.
Our priority is supporting our community and our staff. We are fortunate and grateful that no one was hurt by the damage to our ballpark last night. Over the coming days and weeks, we expect to be able to assess the true condition of Tropicana Field. In the meantime, we are working with law enforcement to secure the building.
We ask for your patience at this time, and we encourage those who can to donate to organizations in our community that are assisting those directly impacted by these storms.
The Tampa Bay Rays
Additionally, the city confirmed a crane collapsed onto an office building near 400 Central Avenue. No injuries have been reported due to either incident, the city confirmed.
St. Petersburg residents also could no longer get water from their household taps because a water main break led the city to shut down service.
An additional video from the city shows winds uprooting a tree at the Moxy Hotel.
According to Max Defender 8 Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli, St. Pete saw peak wind gusts of 91 MPH, some of the highest in the Tampa Bay area since Milton made landfall.
Other areas seeing peak wind gusts include SRQ Airport (102 MPH), Egmonth Channel (105 MPH), and Clearwater Beach (90 MPH), according to Berardelli.