Hurricane Melissa, due to hit Jamaica on Tuesday, is the world’s strongest storm so far this year, likely to cause devastating damage across the Caribbean.
Travellers in Jamaica have been warned of the risk of “catastrophic flash floods and landslides” in Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa is expected to hit on 28 October.
The Class 5 hurricane has quickly become the strongest storm in the world this year, as well as the worst to hit Jamaica in decades. It is expected to cause severe damage to the island, as well as neighbouring Caribbean nations such as Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
A UK Foreign Office warning highlighted: “A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Jamaica and, whilst Melissa’s exact trajectory is not known, it is expected to bring exceptional levels of rainfall to the whole of Jamaica.”
It continued: “There are estimates for up to 700 millimetres of rain, storm surges around coastal areas bringing waves of up to 4 metres, and winds of up to 135 miles per hour (217.3kph). Catastrophic flash floods and landslides are likely.”
Passengers stranded as airports and ports closed
Jamaica has shut its two main international airports, the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, making it impossible to travel to or from the island.
“Following the passage of the hurricane, a comprehensive assessment of the airport will be conducted to determine when it is safe to resume operations. Updates will be communicated promptly,” Sangster International Airport said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday.
“When the airport reopens, passengers are asked to confirm their flight status with their airlines before travelling to the airport.”
The Norman Manley International Airport echoed this message, also informing travellers that JetBlue flights for Tuesday and Wednesday were cancelled.
“Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of our passengers and airport workers. We continue to work with all the relevant authorities and updates on airport operations will be communicated via our social media platforms and the media,” the airport also highlighted in an X post on Sunday.
This has led to hundreds of travellers being stranded on the island due to multiple flight cancellations and delays.
Other travel companies such as TUI are also closely monitoring the Jamaican travel situation.
Jamaican ports are also currently closed to shipping and cruise ships, with several cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean already having cancelled stops at the island and rerouted ships to other ports in the Caribbean.
What can travellers do?
Both Jamaican and international officials have issued multiple warnings to travellers to find somewhere safe or stay where they are until the hurricane passes, which could take several days.
The Jamaican government also has a list of availablehurricane shelters for travellers worried about finding safe shelter.
The UK Foreign Office has set up a helpline for citizens stranded in Jamaica who need help. Consular Support can be accessed at 876-936-0700 (Select Option 2).
However, it also warns that it may take some time for airports to reopen and that travellers should be prepared for serious shortages of food, accommodation, water and health services after the hurricane passes.
Travellers can monitor live updates from the Jamaican airport authorities about airport reopening schedules. The Jamaican government also advises holidaymakers on package tours to follow their tour operator’s advice.
Most holidaymakers who have had their trip cancelled before they have left home due to the hurricane should be able to access a full refund through their tour operator.
Although this sometimes depends on whether a country’s foreign office has issued a warning against all but essential travel to a destination, several tour operators will also consider local travel warnings.
Even if the holiday has not been officially cancelled, travellers who are uncomfortable visiting Jamaica under the current circumstances should be able to cancel without extra cancellation fees. Some operators may also provide full refunds in these cases.
Certain insurance providers may also cover the cost of the cancelled trip due to local government travel warnings. However, this varies according to individual plans and often applies only to policies bought before the weather forecast or warning was issued.
Travel agents are responsible for finding new, safe accommodations for clients forced to evacuate due to the hurricane.
Some airlines may also need to find passengers new flights home or refund ticket costs if natural disasters cause flight cancellations. However, they are not responsible for covering other associated costs and reimbursements due to this disruption.
Hurricane Melissa strongest storm on the planet this year
Hurricane Melissa is the worst storm in the world so far in 2025, having already caused three deaths in Jamaica, another three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic.
It is likely to have a catastrophic, life-threatening impact in Jamaica, with the International Federation of Red Cross estimating that around 1.5 million people on the island could be affected.
Already being dubbed the “storm of the century” in Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa’s effects are likely to be felt in the Turks and Caicos Islands and The Bahamas, as well as eastern Cuba.
Jamaica’s high mountains are likely to exacerbate Melissa’s rains. As it is a slow-moving hurricane, there are also higher chances of more rainfall in concentrated areas, which could greatly increase the chances of flooding. This could be devastating for Jamaica’s low-lying and flood-prone areas.
With power supply already disrupted for about 50,000 Jamaicans, Hurricane Melissa also has enough strength to cause severe damage to hundreds of homes and buildings.