Hurricane Melissa now a Category 5 as it nears Jamaica; Cuba also on alert

Hurricane Melissa has strengthened into a powerful Category 5 storm, poised to unleash destructive winds, a dangerous storm surge, and severe flooding across Jamaica, the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) reported early Monday morning (Oct. 27).

In addition, the NHC has issued a hurricane warning for the Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo and Holguin.

A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within a region.

“Preparations to protect life and property should be complete in Jamaica and rushed to completion in Cuba,” the NHC wrote in an advisory posted at 5 a.m. EST.

A “hurricane watch,” meanwhile, is in effect in southeastern and central Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. This means that hurricane conditions “are possible within the watch area,” the NHC says.

Hurricane Melissa, currently packing winds of up to 260 kilometres per hour, is expected to move near or over Jamaica tonight (Oct. 27) and Tuesday, across southeastern Cuba Tuesday night, and then across the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday, the centre said.

The system has already unleashed heavy rains across the Dominican Republic, prompting authorities to close schools and government offices on Monday in four of the nine provinces still under red alert. 

There, the storm damaged more than 750 homes, displaced more than 3,760 residents, and cut off access to at least 48 communities, officials reported.

Airports close

In Jamaica, Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) on October 25 while Sangster International Airport (SIA) closed on October 26.

Sangster International, which is based in popular Montego Bay, is so far scheduled to reopen on Wednesday (Oct. 29) at 12:00 p.m.

“Following the hurricane, a comprehensive assessment will be conducted to determine when it is safe to resume operations,” the airport wrote in a statement issued late Saturday. “Updates will be communicated promptly. We once again urge all stakeholders to take necessary precautions during the passage of this dangerous system.”

Jamaica’s Ian Flemming Airport, Tinson Pen Aerodrome and Ken Jones Aerodrome are also closed.

"Avoid all travel"

On Sunday (Oct. 26), the Government of Canada revised its travel advisory for Jamaica, warning Canadians to “avoid all travel” to the island amid the approach of Hurricane Melissa.

“The storm is likely to bring excessive rainfall and violent winds. It may cause flash flooding and landslides,” the warning reads, noting that the hurricane could disrupt services such as transportation, water and food supply, power, telecommunications and emergency services.

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has posted this storm FAQ on its website for travellers currently in Jamaica or those scheduled to depart soon.

Evan Thompson, principal director of Jamaica’s meteorological service, said Melissa could be the strongest hurricane to strike the island in decades, CBC News reported.

He cautioned that recovery efforts and damage assessments may face major delays due to widespread flooding, landslides, and impassable roads.

Jamaica prepares for impact

Jamaica's tourism industry has meanwhile activated its crisis management capabilities as it prepares for Melissa.

In a press release over the weekend, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett emphasized that Jamaica's track record in preparedness positions the destination to maintain its reputation for visitor safety and operational excellence.

“Our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to crises is what continues to set Jamaica apart as a world-class destination,” Minister Bartlett stated. “Resilience has long been at the heart of Jamaica's tourism success. We have learnt from experience that preparedness is the foundation of recovery.”

The Ministry of Tourism activated its Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC) on Friday (Oct. 24).

“This coordinated response reflects Jamaica's investment in robust disaster risk management systems across all levels of our tourism industry,” Minister Bartlett said. “From our hoteliers and attraction operators to our transportation providers and dedicated tourism workers, we have established protocols that prioritize safety while maintaining service excellence.”

Appearing in a video posted by the tourism ministry to social media on Sunday, Bartlett said Jamaica’s hotels are creating shelter arrangements where necessary.

He also said that airlines are prepared to deploy larger aircraft for evacuation purposes.  

Angella Bennett, regional director for Canada at the Jamaica Tourist Board, was reporting on-the-ground updates from Jamaica over the weekend as the country prepared for Melissa’s arrival.

“We are bracing ourselves,” said Bennett in a video posted to her social media on Saturday. “We are taking every precaution.”  

Originally intending to remain in Jamaica during the storm, Bennett has since returned to Toronto to maintain stronger coordination with her team and partners.

This is a developing story.

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