A hurricane is expected to bring life-threating flooding and landslides to Jamaica when it makes landfall later today or early tomorrow.
The island’s international airports at Kingston and Montego Bay temporarily closed on Sunday, and flights will remain grounded until the hurricane passes.
Virgin Atlantic has cancelled its flights from London to Montego Bay this afternoon and tomorrow. British Airways was scheduled ot operate flights between London Gatwick and Kingston today and TUI had flights between Montego Bay and Birmingham and London Gatwick.
The slow-moving storm is likely to build into a rare Category 4 hurricane in the next few hours, though it could weaken slightly to a Category 4 by the time it lands.
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Melissa had winds of up to 120 miles per hour early this morning, and they could reach 157mph.
It is warning that the storm will bring up to 76 centimetres of rain and waves up to 13 feet high, causing power cuts and damage to infrastructure.
Storm surges are most likely on the south coast, according to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, but the Government has ordered people to evacuate Port Royal in Kingston, Portland Cottage and Rocky Point in Clarendon, Old Harbour Bay in St Catherine and Taylor Land, Bull Bay, New Haven and Riverton City in St Andrew.
“A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides,” the NHC said.
As the storm is moving at only 5mph, the damage is likely to be worse. “This extreme rainfall potential, owing to the slow motion, is going to create a catastrophic event here for Jamaica,” added NHC Deputy Director Jamie Rhome.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: “I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.
“But the best way to address anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared.
Residents are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.
What’s the advice for tourists in Jamaica?
Visit Jamaica has issued a travel alert on its website, providing advice for visitors. It said: “Fortunately, the Government of Jamaica, the tourism industry, and our travel partners are experienced in hurricane preparedness and response.
“Our teams are very organised and in continual communication, and you can be assured that your safety and comfort is a top priority.”
It advised visitors to check for ongoing updates on the NHC website, and email the Tourism Emergency Operations Centre at [email protected] or call 1-876-282-6712 or 1-876-469-0265 for detailed information on airport openings and closures, evacuation sites and other required information.
Visit Jamaica urged guests to follow advice issued by hotel management teams. “They have your safety in mind and are knowledgeable on the best approach to navigate adverse weather,” it said.
“For those in villa or private accommodation, please heed the guidance provided by the owner or management company.
“If you are uncertain or unable to make contact, please contact the Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (details above).
What about other Caribbean islands?
Warnings have also been issued for the Dominican Republic, eastern Cuba and parts of Haiti, including the capital Port au Prince, with Melissa expected to bring heavy rainfall and high winds by the middle of the week.
The hurricane has already caused landslides in Haiti, leaving two dead.
By the time it reaches Cuba, it is expected to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.
