All Travel to Jamaica to Be Avoided Due to Hurricane Melissa

The Government of Canada travel advisory site has been updated to state Canadians should avoid all travel to Jamaica due to the dangers posed by Hurricane Melissa.

The red/avoid all travel rating is the highest tier in the ranking system. The warning states that violent winds and extensive rainfall are expected as the hurricane sweeps across the island, posing danger in its wake.

Flooding and landslides will likely disrupt essential services, including transportation, power, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services and medical care. 

Related: Jamaica Activates Emergency Procedures for Tropical Storm Melissa

The international airports in Kingston and Montego Bay have both been closed. Reach out to the airlines for alternate arrangements.

If you have clients in Jamaica who were unable to leave before the airport closures, you can direct them to the following sites for more information and help. 

Latest advisories – U.S. National Hurricane Centre.

Parish Disaster Coordinator – Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management.

The government website also lists the contact phone numbers and emails for designated Parish Disaster Coordinators.

Those in Jamaica are advised to:

• Exercise caution.
• Monitor local news and weather reports.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.

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