“Catastrophic” flash floods and landslides are “likely” in Jamaica, as the region braces for “storm of the century” Hurricane Melissa to make landfall today.
A hurricane warning is in effect for Jamaica and, whilst Melissa’s exact trajectory is not known, it is expected to bring “exceptional levels of rainfall” to the whole of Jamaica.
The UK government added there are estimates for up to 700 millimetres of rain, storm surges around coastal areas bringing waves of up to four metres, and winds of up to 135 miles per hour.
Hurricane Melissa will be the "storm of the century”, an official from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says, according to Reuters.
“For Jamaica, it will be the storm of the century for sure,” the WMO's tropical cyclone specialist Anne-Claire Fontan told reporters.
The Jamaican government has closed its international airports until further notice and the UK government is advising travellers to monitor and follow the advice of their tour operator. Hedge Travel agent Sarah Heduan gave us this account from the last UK-bound flight out of Montego Bay in advance of the storm.
The Jamaica Tourist Board says the safety and well-being of all visitors, tourism workers, and communities remain its highest priority”.
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.
“Trusted meteorological models suggest a very high possibility of serious hurricane conditions beginning at least late Saturday [25TH October] evening.”
The tourist board has collated guidance for those in-destination.
A Sandals and Beaches Resorts spokesperson said: “As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, Sandals and Beaches Resorts team members, the Jamaican Government, and everyone on the island have been preparing for several days.
“With over 44 years’ experience in the Caribbean, the resort teams are trained to handle these events and has implemented a series of proven best practices and protocols at each resort, focused on the safety of guests, team members, and the local communities. Over the past few days, resort teams have assisted guests who wished to depart early, and all remaining guests across the resorts in Jamaica are being well taken care of by dedicated team members. The Sandals Foundation is also ready to activate and provide support to Jamaica and its communities in the coming days.
“Rest assured, all resorts are equipped with emergency supplies, generators, ample stocks of food, water, and other resources necessary to ensure everyone’s health and safety. Resort team members and guests have held a series of meetings to prepare for the storm’s arrival, and all are aware of the safety protocols and plans specific to their location.
“Guests will remain sheltered in place in their rooms, which have been stocked with all necessary provisions and are regularly replenished. Resort team members are standing by in each building to provide any assistance necessary. Following the conclusion of the storm, a safety assessment will take place across all properties before changes to these protocols are considered.
“With the temporary airport closure and the unfortunate circumstances brought by this hurricane, we want to reassure guests that their safety, comfort, and peace of mind remain our top priority."
Sandals and Beaches is waiving accommodation charges for any days guests are unable to travel until flights resume.
Agents whose clients have upcoming reservations to Jamaica through Unique Caribbean Holidays Ltd. (UCHL), the UK inhouse tour operator for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, can contact flightops@sandals.co.uk.
“We also encourage you to register with your Embassy for country specific guidance and support. If you are uncertain of the best way to reach them, we will be happy to provide you with additional information and guidance,” it added.
A Tui spokesperson said: “We are closely monitoring the evolving situation in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa moves across the Caribbean and makes landfall.
“The safety and wellbeing of our customers and colleagues is always our top priority. Our teams are working hard to support all customers impacted by the severe weather conditions, including those in-destination and whose travel plans have changed.
“We understand this is an unsettling time and ask that customers currently in Jamaica continue to follow the advice of local authorities and their resort teams.”
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “Due to adverse weather conditions expected to be caused by Hurricane Melissa some of our Jamaica flights are subject to cancellations and delays.
“The safety and welfare of our customers and crew is our top priority, and we are contacting any Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Holiday customers who may be impacted by the hurricane to discuss their options. We ask that anyone travelling checks the status of their flights on virginatlantic.com for the latest information. We’d like to thank our customers for their patience as we work through the impact of Hurricane Melissa.”
A Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson added: “Along with our meteorologist, we are closely monitoring Hurricane Melissa and have made itinerary changes. The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority. We communicated the changes to our guests directly.”
*This is an evolving story and we will add in trade updates as and when we receive them. Keep checking back for more information.
