Residents and tourists trapped in Jamaica brace for Melissa

Hurricane Melissa reached Category 5 strength Monday morning and will be the strongest to ever make landfall in Jamaica.
James Scott,

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA — Jamaica braces for what will be the strongest storm to make landfall in the island nation’s 63-year history.

β€œWe’re used to storms, but not like this,” says Adam Simmons.

Adam and his wife, Jordan, have been honeymooning in Montego Bay, located on the northwestern side of Jamaica, for the past week.

β€œIt was at Friday morning that we were trying to make a decision to either get out or try to ride it out, because we know that storms change,” Adam explains.

And Hurricane Melissa has only changed for the worse. The storm reached Category 5 strength Monday morning and will be the strongest to ever make landfall in Jamaica.

β€œWe’ve done a lot to let the time pass,” says Jordan, “But, when you walk around, it’s very eerie and it’s starting to get serious.”

The newlywed couple from Charleston, South Carolina, says the resort has designated a restaurant as a central command center and shelter as the storm strikes.

β€œWe’re anticipating that we will be there later [Monday],” Adam explains.

Countless family and friends have reached out to them with their thoughts and prayers, but they want that energy to be directed toward Jamaican residents instead.

β€œJust the people here, it’s a very sad situation,” Jordan laments.

“Fortunately, we will get to fly home. They will have to rebuild.”

On the other side of the island lives 15-year-old Angel Oswald.

β€œI’m a bit nervous now,” says Oswald.

Oswald lives in Saint Catherine Parish, just west of Kingston, on the south-central portion of the island. She says officials and residents are doing everything they can to prepare, including evacuating those who live along the coast.

β€œThey’ve also been setting up shelters that some people can evacuate and go to if that’s necessary,” Oswald explains.

She says that while her family has not been asked to evacuate, they’re taking this storm very seriously.

β€œWe also went to the supermarket and bought enough food that could last us for more than three days.”

And she’s confident Jamaica will come out of this stronger than ever.

β€œThe people of Jamaica, they are really strong… I feel like all we have to do is basically pray,” says Oswald.

β€œAnd I feel like as long as we do that, we’re going to be okay.”