A satellite image provided by NASA shows Superstorm Sandy on Oct. 30, 2012

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The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) is taking all necessary steps to prepare for the pending weather associated with Hurricane Tammy which has now been upgraded.

Antigua and Barbuda, along with several other islands, are currently under a hurricane warning. Tammy is expected to bring hurricane conditions to portions of the Leeward Islands, including Antigua and Barbuda, late tonight and Saturday.

To ensure readiness, members of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), which includes agencies such as the police, defense forces, central board of health, and solid waste, among others, along with the district disaster team of volunteers, are being updated on the weather and the actions that should be taken at this time.

The DDCs have been in contact with shelter managers, damage assessment teams, and Community Emergency Response teams to ensure they have finalized their plans. Moreover, NODS is advising residents to complete their final preparations ahead of any impact or heavy rains.

Those who live in areas that flood should move to safer locations early.

The cleaning of drains has been ongoing in several districts that flood regularly, such as Mahico Drive and Hawkins Drive in Cassada Gardens and Sir Sydney Walling Highway, among others.

Meanwhile, employers should make sure their staff have adequate time to reach home to avoid any difficulties on the roads.