All precautions are being taken as Tropical Storm Jerry approaches Barbuda.

This is according to Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office Maurice Merchant.

He explained that NODS, the National Office of Disaster Services has been mobilized and are ensuring that all provisions are in place for Barbuda and Antigua this hurricane season.

“As the season approaches a couple of months ago in June, NODS would have activated its emergency services, all centers would have been assessed and approved, its budget would have been operationalized and in preparedness for any eventuality during the hurricane season.”

“NODS is fully prepared to provide the necessary assistance to Barbuda or Antigua in the event of any storm and so NODS is working with its officials on Barbuda to ensure that the precautions are taken and to ensure that the properties are in readiness for the advent of any storm”, Merchant explained.

There’s been a slight westward shift in the forecast track of Tropical Storm Jerry, bringing the system closer to the Leeward Islands particularly Barbuda—than earlier projections suggested.

As a result, the Tropical Storm Watch for Barbuda will be upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning at 11 a.m., meaning that sustained tropical-storm-force winds are expected somewhere on the island within the next 12 to 18 hours.

Residents of Barbuda are urged to complete all storm preparations immediately and be ready for tropical storm conditions later today.

Meanwhile, a Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Antigua and the rest of the Leeward Islands.

Forecasters warn that tropical storm conditions could still extend farther south than currently anticipated, and residents should continue to monitor updates closely and finalize safety measures.

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service will issue further advisories as new information becomes available.