US Embassy issues urgent warning to travelers as Major Hurricane Melissa takes aim at Jamaica

The US Embassy in Jamaica has issued an urgent warning to all Americans on the island as Tropical Storm Melissa, already lashing the region with heavy rain and winds, is now expected to rapidly intensify into a severe storm. Major hurricane and make a direct hit on the island.

In response, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami issued an official Hurricane warning for the entire island of Jamaica. A hurricane warning is the highest possible warning and means that hurricane conditions exist expected within the next 36 hours.

This is no small storm. This is an extremely dangerous and severe weather condition. If you are in Jamaica, you must take immediate and decisive action to protect yourself.

What happens now

Hereby Travel off the pathwe are monitoring this situation in real time. The US Embassy’s alert, which was already serious, has now been overtaken by a gloomy forecast from the NHC.

As of the advisory at 11 a.m. EDT on Saturday, October 25, Tropical Storm Melissa is located just south-southeast of Kingston, with maximum sustained winds already reaching a strong 70 mph. The storm is forecast to “rapidly intensify” this weekend and become a hurricane by Saturday evening and Saturday Major Hurricane (Category 3 or higher) by Sunday.

The forecast track, which has a high degree of confidence, shows the center of this major hurricane passing directly over or just south of Jamaica. The storm’s incredibly slow movement is a key part of the threat, as its impact on the island will last for a period of several days.

The dangers: a triple threat

The NHC and the US Embassy warn of catastrophic consequences across the island. This storm poses a serious triple threat:

1. Catastrophic rainfall and landslides Melissa is expected to be a “major rainfall producer.” The forecast calls for 8 to 14 inches of rain (200-350 mm) for eastern parishes, with some areas in Haiti and Jamaica potentially seeing staggering totals as high as 25 inches. This amount of rain will cause widespread, dangerous flooding and devastating landslides in Jamaica’s mountainous region.

2. Destructive, catastrophic wind A Category 3 hurricane produces sustained winds of more than 110 miles per hour. These winds will cause catastrophic damage to buildings, down countless trees and result in widespread and prolonged power outages. Being outside will be insurmountable. The NHC has warned that hurricane conditions are expected to begin Sunday or Monday.

3. Devastating storm surge A major hurricane will also cause a severe storm surge, pushing the ocean inland and flooding all coastal areas. This includes resort properties, beaches and coastal roads, making them exceptionally dangerous and impassable. The wave will be accompanied by large, destructive waves.

US embassy is closed and calls for action

The situation is so serious that the The U.S. Embassy in Kingston will close for all routine services on Monday, October 27and will only be available for limited emergency services. All routine visa appointments and U.S. citizenship appointments have been canceled.

The US government urges all Americans in Jamaica to take the following actions IMMEDIATELY:

• Find a safe shelter immediately. The embassy warns travelers that this is not a storm to spend in a hotel room on the coast. You must find a safe shelter inland.
• Follow local news. Keep the Jamaica Meteorological Service and other local news channels tuned for the latest updates.
• Stock supplies. You must have enough food, water, medicine and batteries for several days as the services will not be available.
• Follow ALL instructions from local authorities.

What this means for your travel plans

This is a serious event. The NHC warns that “preparations to protect life and property must be completed as a matter of urgency.”

For travelers in Jamaica: The Jamaican authorities are activating more than 650 emergency shelters. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged the public to take this threat seriously and take all measures to protect themselves.

For travelers with upcoming flights: All trips to Jamaica must be cancelled. Airlines included JetBlue, Southwest and United have already issued travel exemptions for flights to Montego Bay (MBJ) and Kingston (KIN). Airports are activating emergency protocols and will close once the hurricane warning is in full effect. Contact your airline immediately to rebook or cancel your flight.