NORFOLK, Va. — Sailors at the world's largest naval base are filling thousands of sandbags to protect the base's buildings from flooding.

About 13,000 sandbags are being filled at Naval Station Norfolk as the installation prepares for days of rain and the possibility of being hit by Hurricane Joaquin. Navy officials say this is the most intensive storm preparation effort the base has had since Hurricane Ernesto in 2006.

The installation is located in a low-lying area adjacent to the Elizabeth River and Willoughby Bay. It's not uncommon for streets on the base to flood during storms.

Naval Station Norfolk is home to aircraft carriers, submarines and destroyers, among other ships. The base is also home to numerous command headquarters and support buildings.

Fleet Forces Command has ordered all ships and submarines in the Hampton Roads, Va. area to be ready to get underway from the pier within 48 hours, should the storm appear to threaten the region.

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