As Tropical Storm Lee approaches hurricane strength, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) is urging residents of Antigua and Barbuda and the rest of the eastern Caribbean to ensure that their preparedness plans are in place.

The local Met Office has issued a Tropical Cyclone Alert for portions of the northeast Caribbean, including Antigua and Barbuda.

According to the National Hurricane Centre, Lee is expected to become a hurricane today and rapidly intensify into an extremely dangerous hurricane by the weekend.

It is important to closely monitor the progress of this system and ensure that hurricane-preparedness supplies are stocked.

Emergency kits should include canned and non-perishable foods, water, flashlights, batteries, medication, personal hygiene items, infant supplies, important documents, clothing, first aid kit, and bedding. These items should be taken if residents are moving to a shelter.

In preparation for the storm, it is recommended to secure windows and doors, have shutters on hand if they are not attached to the house, prune dead or dying trees and overhanging branches, clear the yard of loose items that can become projectiles, and lower television and other antennae.

Residents are urged to continue monitoring the local media for further updates.