U-Haul is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box containers to residents and businesses in regions likely to be impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.

U-Haul is extending 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box portable container use to residents and businesses in regions projected to be impacted by Tropical Storm Helene, which is forecast to make landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast this Thursday.

The company announced that 241 facilities across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama will provide complimentary storage services to those either preparing for the storm or recovering from its potential aftermath.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued storm surge warnings on Wednesday morning for coastal areas, including Wakulla, Franklin, and Levy counties, where water levels are expected to rise as much as 10 feet above the normal tide. Sustained winds could exceed 100 miles per hour, according to NHC forecasts. Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to heed evacuation orders, with mandatory evacuations already in effect for Wakulla County and portions of Pasco Counties.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has similarly warned of strong winds ranging between 70 and 90 miles per hour across much of northern and central Florida. Isolated tornadoes are also possible, particularly within the storm’s outer bands.

On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 61 Florida counties in response to the development of Helene. In his order, the governor cited a range of potential risks, including coastal erosion and infrastructure damage affecting roads, hospitals, and schools. Officials are particularly concerned about riverine flooding, given that water levels remain elevated in several areas following the recent impact of Hurricane Debby.