Jamaica is bracing for what could be the strongest storm to hit the island in decades: Hurricane Melissa. The cyclone is currently making its way towards Jamaica and is expected to make landfall on Tuesday.
Since its last landfall, the storm has intensified and is now officially a Class 5 hurricane, which means it has sustained winds of at least 157 mph. The Jamaican authorities have issued a simple warning to locals and tourists alike: ‘Do not gamble with Melissa, it's not a safe bet.’
If you are currently in Jamaica, the advice from both local and international officials is to find somewhere safe and remain there until the storm has passed. An NHC representative said ‘you need to just be wherever you’re going to be and be ready to ride this out for several days’, and the Jamaican transport minister Daryl Vaz simply recommended that people ‘don't make foolish decisions’.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Hurricane Melissa, including advice for anyone due to fly to the island this week.
What is Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa is a Category 5 hurricane, which is expected to cause serious damage from storm surges and heavy rainfall. The United States’ National Hurricane Centre (NHC) forecasts ‘catastrophic and life threatening flash-flooding and numerous landslides’ throughout Jamaica.
The NHC also notes that ‘life-threatening storm surge and damaging waves are expected along the southern coast’. The surges could reach up to 4m above ground.
The storm is slow-moving, which makes it even more deadly because it increases the amount of rain that can fall in any one area, making floods and landslides more likely.
When will the hurricane make landfall in Jamaica?
The hurricane is expected to touch ground tomorrow, October 28. The worst of the storm could only last a couple of days, but the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warns that ‘it may take time for airports to re-open and there may be serious shortages of accommodation, food, water and health facilities’ once it has passed.
Have flights been cancelled?
Yes, all international airports in Jamaica are closed ‘until further notice’, so no flights will enter or leave the country until this storm has passed.
Is it safe to travel?
It is currently not possible to travel to Jamaica, as airports and ports are closed. Internal travel will also be disrupted by flooding and high winds.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning about Hurricane Melissa, saying that ‘it is expected to bring exceptional levels of rainfall to the whole of Jamaica… Catastrophic flash floods and landslides are likely’.
The FCDO advises that ‘you should monitor and follow the advice of your tour operator’, and ‘follow the guidance of local authorities, especially in the event of any evacuation orders’.
The NHC advises that you ‘do not venture outside your safe shelter’ for the duration of the storm.
What are my rights if I cancel my trip?
If your holiday has been cancelled due to Hurricane Melissa, and you’re yet to leave, you should be entitled to a full refund through your provider.
If the company you booked with hasn’t cancelled the holiday yet, but you don’t feel safe travelling in the aftermath of the hurricane, you should be entitled to cancel without any extra costs. Depending on the provider, you may also be entitled to a full refund. If you have travel insurance, it is likely that your insurance will cover for your trip given the local government has warned that travel is unsafe – although you’ll need to check your individual plan to be sure.
If you need to evacuate your hotel or accommodation and you booked through a travel agent, it is their responsibility to find you a new, safe place to stay.
If you booked each part of your holiday separately, you may find it more difficult to claim compensation. Airlines are not responsible to reimburse passengers if their flights are cancelled due to natural disasters, but they may need to refund your fare or find you a new flight home. Check with your provider to find out what they offer.
Did you see that visiting Japan will become a lot more expensive next year?
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for the latest travel news and the best stuff happening across the world.