The Foreign Office has issued travel warnings for more islands in the Caribbean, which are in the path of one of the strongest ever hurricanes to hit the region.
Hurricane Melissa is due to make landfall in Jamaica today, bringing fierce gales and torrential rain.
The Foreign Office yesterday described Melissa as a ‘major hurricane’. It has issued fresh advice for holidaymakers in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the Cayman Islands, Cuba and Turks and Caicos.
It said the storm is likely to bring ‘exceptional levels of rainfall and high storm surges’ in the coming days.
Brits stuck in any of the above islands are being urged to monitor the storm, follow local advice, and register with the National Emergency Notification System on each of the islands.
In Turks and Caicos, it advised visitors to download the official DDME disaster alert app for real-time updates.
It also suggested holidaymakers should seek guidance from their hotel or accommodation provider.
In the update to its advice for the Cayman Islands, the Foreign Office urged package holidaymakers to contact their travel provider.
Hundreds of British holidaymakers are stuck in Jamaica, with many having arrived on a packed Virgin Atlantic flight on Saturday evening, after the island had already started to prepare for the storm.
Hotels have boarded up windows and doors, removed outdoor furniture, and moved guests to ‘safer’ rooms away from the seafront.
A spokesperson for Sandals, which has multiple Sandals and Beaches resorts in Jamaica, said: “With more than four decades of experience operating in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, the resorts are well prepared for weather-related events.
“Each property follows detailed, time-tested protocols led by trained teams who are equipped to respond calmly and effectively as conditions evolve. Guests can be assured that every measure is being taken to ensure their safety and comfort, and that the resort’s dedicated team members – many of whom call Jamaica home – remain committed to providing care, communication and the warm hospitality for which Sandals and Beaches Resorts are known.”
Shernette Crichton, General Manager of Half Moon resort near Jamaica’s Montego Bay, said late on Monday that the hotel has prepared a shelter where guests will remain for ‘at least 24 hours’ until the storm has passed.
The shelter is equipped with chaise lounges, blankets, pillows, care packages, food and drink, entertainment and games.
Shernette added: “We will do our best to weather the storm and hope for minimal disruption. Surely, we are a resilient people and will rebuild.”
