Jamaica shuts international airports ahead of ‘major’ Hurricane Melissa

Airports in Jamaica have been shut “until further notice” ahead of Hurricane Melissa making landfall tomorrow (Tuesday).

 

The major hurricane will cause “catastrophic and life- threatening” flash flooding and numerous landslides before potentially devastating winds arrive on Monday night and Tuesday morning local time, the US National Hurricane Centre warned.

 

“Extensive infrastructural damage, long-duration power and communication outages, and isolation of communities are expected. Life-threatening storm surge and damaging waves are expected along portions of the southern coast Monday night and Tuesday morning,” the latest advisory noted. 

 

The impact of Melissa is expected to also affect Haiti and the Dominican Republic; eastern Cuba, southwest Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos. 

 

The imminent arrival of Melissa in Jamaica, flagged last week, triggered revised Foreign Office advice, indicating that it is expected to make landfall as a “major hurricane” on Tuesday. 

 

The advisory, issued on Sunday evening, reiterated that a hurricane warning is in effect and, “whilst Melissa’s exact trajectory is not known, it is expected to bring exceptional levels of rainfall to the whole of Jamaica. 

 

“There are estimates for up to 700 millimetres of rain, storm surges around coastal areas bringing waves of up to 4 metres, and winds of up to 135 miles per hour. Catastrophic flash floods and landslides are likely.”

 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) added: “The Jamaican government has closed its international airports until further notice. 

“You may wish to monitor live updates from the Jamaican airport authorities regarding the status of Norman Manley International airport in Kingston and Sangster International airport in Montego Bay. You should monitor and follow the advice of your tour operator.”

 

A list of available hurricane shelters has been issued by the Jamaican government in advance of Melissa’s anticipated landfall.

 

British travellers were urged to continue to monitor  local and international weather updates, including from the Meteorological Service for Jamaica and the US National Hurricane Centre, and follow the guidance of local authorities, especially in the event of any evacuation orders. 

 

“In the aftermath of a hurricane, power, communications and water supplies can be disrupted,” the FCDO added. 

 

Jamaica tourism minister Edmund Bartlett said: “Our tourism stakeholders remain calm, vigilant and united in our efforts to protect both our people and our industry.”

 

He emphasised that Jamaica’s proven track record in preparedness positions the destination to maintain its reputation for visitor safety and operational excellence even during challenging weather conditions.

 

“Our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to crises is what continues to set Jamaica apart as a world-class destination,” Bartlett added. 

 

“Resilience has long been at the heart of Jamaica’s tourism success. We have learnt from experience that preparedness is the foundation of recovery.”