Hurricane Ian: Florida U-Haul Locations Offer 30 Days Free Storage

TAMPA, FL — Storage and moving giant U-Haul will offer Florida residents evacuating ahead of Hurricane Ian's imminent landfall a month of free self-storage at nearly four dozen locations across the state, the company announced in a news release.

Hurricane-force winds will reach the west coast of Florida by Wednesday morning, with 2.5 million residents urged by Gov. Ron DeSantis to evacuate low-lying areas threatened by 10 feet or more of storm surge and a foot or two of rain.

Charlotte, Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Levy, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties, as well as parts of Manatee County, were all under mandatory evacuation orders as of Tuesday afternoon.

RELATED: Hurricane Ian: 120 MPH Winds And Growing, Landfall At Sarasota

Stay up-to-date by viewing all Hurricane Ian coverage on Patch here

“As a member of so many Florida communities, U-Haul is in a unique position to help as this storm approaches and families plan to evacuate," Bob Magyar, president of U-Haul Co. of Tampa, said in a statement. "We’re extending our disaster relief program to our neighbors throughout much of the state with 30 days of free self-storage at participating locations."

According to the company, the free month of self-storage services is available to customers renting new units and is subject to vacancy at each U-Haul facility.

Florida residents wanting more information about the U-Haul disaster relief program or needing to arrange 30 days of free self-storage should contact the participating facility nearest them.

See the list of the 43 participating U-Haul facilities.