LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Across Lake County on Sunday, as Tropical Storm Ian is expected to strengthen and become a hurricane, emergency officials helped residents prepare for any possible storm impact.
The county has five sandbag self-service locations where residents can pick up 10 bags for free. It also offers a Citizens Information phone line with the most up-to-date information. That phone number is 352-253-9999.
[TRENDING: TRACK, MODELS, MORE: Tropical Storm Ian expected to strengthen, become hurricane Monday | Rower who was hospitalized after lightning strike on Lake Fairview has died, club says | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
News 6 spoke with Tony French, who was getting sandbags for his home.
“My porch is a little lower than my yards, so if I don’t do something I’ll have water coming into my front door,” French said. “Hopefully it’ll go away, but got to be prepared just in case.”
[RELATED: Here are the Central Florida counties offering sandbag locations]
The town of Astor is no stranger to flooding. News 6 told you earlier this year that, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, researchers are projecting a 1-foot rise in sea level by the year 2050. That rise could push up the St. Johns River, which flows right through Astor.
Ryan Adams said he’s watching the water levels in Astor, along the St. John’s River.
He owns the Big River Marina along the River and said he’s preparing now ahead of any possible storm impact.
The county also urged boat owners to tie down their vessels as a precaution.
“I’m putting a couple of extra dock lines down to make sure it’s secure and make sure the dock fenders are in place,” said Bryan Saul.
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