Category Five Hurricane Melissa is forecast to make landfall early Tuesday (October 28), in eastern Westmoreland or western St. Elizabeth, before exiting the island along the St. Ann coastline by evening. Principal Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service), Evan Thompson, provided the update from the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and...

Jamaicans are being encouraged to store an adequate supply of clean, drinking water to last at least three days, as the National Water Commission (NWC) systems may be impacted during the passage of Hurricane Melissa. “Whether it is they have a tank or buckets, or whatever it is they are using to put aside clean water, now is definitely the...

A central command centre has been established at the St. Ann Municipal Corporation to gather real-time information about Hurricane Melissa and to direct responses from multiple agencies. According to Chairman and Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, Michael Belnavis, the Emergency Operating Centre (EOC) will serve as the nerve centre for monitoring, coordinating, and delivering aid as the storm progresses. “We...

The Government has issued a mandatory evacuation Order for several communities along the south coast as Hurricane Melissa moves closer to Jamaica. The evacuation Order applies to Port Royal in Kingston; Portland Cottage and Rocky Point in Clarendon; Old Harbour Bay in St. Catherine; and New Haven, Riverton City and Taylor Land in St. Andrew. This Order was signed under...

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has outlined a multi-layered strategy for Jamaica’s quick recovery, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa. The major storm is expected to make landfall as a category four or five hurricane, bringing winds of more than 100 miles per hour, and heavy rainfall over the entire country, causing flooding and landslides. The Prime...

Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Hugh Grant, says that keeping Jamaicans powered up during and after the hurricane is a priority. “Let me reassure you that we are prepared to do all that we can to the best capabilities to safely keep the grid up and running to serve the load,” he said at...

Both of Jamaica’s international airports have suspended operations as Hurricane Melissa draws closer to the island. Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston ceased operations following the final incoming flight on Saturday (October 25), while Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay, St. James, closed at midday on Sunday (October 26). Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz,...