Water damage to an indoor stadium without drainage is also a significant concern. The domed stadium was going to be being used as a staging area for first responders, but they were moved to a new location before the worst of the storm arrived, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said.

Hurricane Milton's powerful winds overnight Wednesday nearly ripped the entire roof off the Tampa Bay Rays' home ballpark, Tropicana Field, which had been set for use by workers responding to the storm.