Businesses across Jamaica are shuttering their doors and residents are rushing to designated shelters as the island braces for what could be a direct and catastrophic hit from Hurricane Melissa. The storm, which rapidly intensified into a major Category 4 hurricane over the weekend, is prompting officials to urge immediate evacuation, with the National Hurricane Center warning residents to “seek shelter now”.

On the normally bustling streets of Kingston, a quiet tension has fallen over the capital city. Storefronts that were packed with last-minute shoppers stocking up on essentials over the weekend are now boarded up and empty, with businesses large and small halting operations until further notice. The widespread closures mark a grim acceptance of the potential devastation. “We are suffering a lot because we are not making enough over three and a half days to cover our expenses,” said Sunil Vangani, a Montego Bay businessman, echoing a sentiment felt across the business community.

The shutdown extends to the country’s critical infrastructure. The Port Authority of Jamaica has confirmed that all seaports are closed until conditions improve. Jamaica’s two major international airports, 

Norman Manley in Kingston and Sangster in Montego Bay, have also suspended all flights, with many tourists having already rushed to leave the island ahead of the closures.

Meanwhile, the call to evacuate has filled the nation’s 650 activated shelters, with thousands of residents from low-lying and coastal areas making their way to safety. In communities like the fishing village of Port Royal, which is particularly vulnerable to storm surge, some residents have refused to leave their homes. However, the urgency of the official messaging has caused a widespread movement toward higher ground.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressed the nation, stating, “I urge Jamaicans to take this weather threat seriously. Take all measures to protect yourself“. Government officials have also stocked warehouses with thousands of food packages for rapid distribution following the storm.

The impending threat has brought back memories of past hurricanes, especially Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. Weather experts have warned that if Melissa makes landfall as a Category 4 or 5 storm, it could be the strongest to hit Jamaica since that devastating event. The slow-moving nature of Melissa means Jamaica could face days of torrential rainfall, with up to 40 inches in some areas, potentially causing catastrophic flooding and numerous landslides.

As the island waits for the storm’s arrival, the focus remains on personal safety and community preparedness. One Instagram post captured the sober mood, advising, “Secure your homes, stock essential supplies, and stay tuned to official updates. But most importantly, check in on our seniors, persons with disabilities, and neighbors who may need extra help during this time”.

The storm’s path after Jamaica is expected to take it toward eastern Cuba and the Bahamas. However, for now, all eyes are on Melissa as it tracks toward the island, leaving the nation’s economy on hold and its people seeking refuge from the coming storm.

Storm status

• Intensity: Melissa rapidly intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 4 hurricane over the weekend. It is projected to become a Category 5 storm, the highest rating on the Saffir-Simpson scale, as it nears Jamaica.
• Speed and Path: The storm is moving slowly westward, which will prolong its dangerous effects across Jamaica and southern Hispaniola. The National Hurricane Center forecasts the storm’s center will reach Jamaica’s southern coast on Monday night or Tuesday morning.
• Comparison to past storms: If Melissa makes a direct hit as a Category 4 or 5 storm, it could be the strongest to impact Jamaica since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. 
  

Preparations and potential impacts

• Widespread closures: Both major international airports in Kingston (Norman Manley) and Montego Bay (Sangster) have been closed.
• Evacuations and shelters: Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged residents to take the storm seriously and prepare. Hundreds of shelters have been opened across the country.
• Extreme flooding: Forecasts predict 15 to 30 inches of rain across Jamaica, with some areas receiving as much as 40 inches. This is expected to cause extensive flooding and numerous landslides, particularly in the mountainous regions.
• Devastating storm surge: The National Hurricane Center has warned of life-threatening storm surges of 9 to 13 feet along Jamaica’s southern coast, where critical infrastructure in places like Kingston is highly vulnerable.
• Power and infrastructure: Widespread and prolonged power and communication outages are expected, with communities likely to be isolated. The Norman Manley International Airport, located on a narrow strip of land, is at high risk of significant damage.
• Animal safety: In Kingston, staff at Hope Zoo took precautions to move approximately 1,500 animals indoors and board up outdoor exhibits.
• Regional impact: Before approaching Jamaica, Melissa caused deaths and flooding in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It is expected to proceed toward eastern Cuba and the Bahamas later in the week.