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Central Florida residents fill sandbags as Hurricane Ian threatens Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — As Hurricane Ian is forecast to impact Florida this week, residents in Central Florida should be preparing for the storm.

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One of the most important storm preparations, especially for residents in flood zones, is packing and preparing sandbags.

All Central Florida counties are offering sandbags to residents.

Watch: Hurricane Ian forms, expected to rapidly strengthen on track towards Florida

Orange County’s Downey Park was a hot spot for sandbags over the weekend.

Orange County had five sandbag sites open over the weekend and residents took full advantage.

Residents have been lining up before the gates open at Downey Park, many with their trunks open, ready to start loading.

Read: Here’s where you can get sandbags in Central Florida

Those who came out filled bags for themselves and others.

In Orange County each location provides unfilled sandbags and several large sand piles.

Residents will need to bring their own shovel or spade for filling their sandbags.

Read: Hurricane supply checklist: What should you include in your kit?

A valid ID with an Orange County address will be needed to get the sandbags. People are allowed a maximum of 10 sandbags per household.

The sandbags sites in Orange County are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Q Mccray

Q McCray, WFTV.com

Q McCray is an award-winning general assignment reporter.