Is it secure to journey to Jamaica throughout Hurricane Melissa – and what ought to I do if I’m trapped on vacation there?

A significant class 5 hurricane within the northern Caribbean has raised severe considerations concerning the security of journey to Jamaica.

Hurricane Melissa, a class 5 storm with sustained winds of 175mph, is predicted to make landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday morning.

Forecasters have warned that the hurricane may very well be the strongest storm recorded in 2025 to date, and the worst to hit the island since data started 174 years in the past.

At least seven individuals have already died throughout the northern Caribbean – three in Haiti, one within the Dominican Republic, and three in Jamaica.

The approaching hurricane has grounded a whole bunch of holidaymakers, with all worldwide airports closed till additional discover.

As Jamaica braces for catastrophic flash floods, landslides and torrential rainfall, right here’s the whole lot it’s worthwhile to know concerning the newest journey recommendation.

Read extra: Jamaica braces for world’s strongest storm of 2025 as loss of life toll rises to 7

Where in Jamaica will Hurricane Melissa hit?

Hurricane Melissa is predicted to make landfall straight over Jamaica as a “major hurricane” on Tuesday 28 October.

The storm’s precise trajectory is presently unknown, with a hurricane warning in impact throughout all the Caribbean island.

According to Jamaica’s meteorological service, “Life-threatening storm surge, accompanied by large and destructive waves, is likely along the south coast of Jamaica late Monday through Tuesday morning.”

Hurricane season runs from June to November. Jamaica and the Jamaican authorities have printed a listing of available hurricane shelters in anticipation of landfall.

The National Hurricane Center stated in a bulletin issued on Monday night: “Melissa is expected to reach Jamaica and southeastern Cuba as an extremely powerful major hurricane, and will still be at hurricane strength when it moves across the southeastern Bahamas.”

What is the Foreign Office recommendation for holidaymakers affected by Hurricane Melissa?

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has warned: “It is expected to bring exceptional levels of rainfall to the whole of Jamaica. 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. Catastrophic flash floods and landslides are likely.”

It instructed travellers to watch native and worldwide climate updates, together with from the Meteorological Service for Jamaica and the US National Hurricane Centre, and “follow the guidance of local authorities, especially in the event of any evacuation orders”.

The FCDO provides that within the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, “power, communications and water supplies” may be disrupted.

Are flights to Jamaica affected?

Yes. The Jamaican authorities has closed its worldwide airports till additional discover.

The FCDO advise holidaymakers to watch stay updates from the Jamaican airport authorities concerning the standing of Norman Manley International airport in Kingston and Sangster International airport in Montego Bay.

Kingston airport wrote on X (Twitter): “TRAVEL ADVISORY: NMIA remains closed. JetBlue flights for Oct 28 & 29 CANCELLED. Passengers, contact your airline for rebooking. DO NOT go to the airport.”

The Montego Bay airport stated: “UPDATE: SIA is now TEMPORARILY CLOSED. Please DO NOT come to the airport during the closure. Post-storm, we’ll assess and share reopening updates. When we reopen, confirm flight status with your airline BEFORE travelling.”

“You should monitor and follow the advice of your tour operator,” provides the Foreign Office.

What ought to I do if I’m already in Jamaica?

Hundreds of British travellers might be stranded on the island by flight cancellations, stories Independent journey correspondent Simon Calder.

The Foreign Office has a helpline for UK residents in Jamaica who want help. The FCDO says: “Contact Consular Support at 876-936-0700 (Select Option 2)”.

Virgin Atlantic grounded Monday’s London Heathrow-Montego Bay flight in addition to the corresponding inbound flight.

A spokesperson for the airline stated, “Due to adverse weather conditions expected to be caused by Hurricane Melissa, some of our Jamaica flights are subject to cancellations and delays.

“The safety and welfare of our customers and crew is our top priority, and we are contacting any Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Holiday customers who may be impacted by the hurricane to discuss their options.”

Will my vacation to Jamaica be cancelled?

As the FCDO has not warned towards non-essential journey to Jamaica, there might be no particular circumstances in place to have the ability to cancel a visit for a full refund.

The situations for cancelling your journey might be dependent in your vacation supplier, so it’s greatest to contact them when you’re trying to postpone.

There is not any obligation for corporations to refund bookings when you want to cancel, and also you will be unable to say in your journey insurance coverage as a consequence of security considerations except authorities recommendation adjustments.

If you do have journey insurance coverage, some insurance policies embrace pure catastrophe cowl for an occasion that stops you from reaching your vacation vacation spot. Check your insurance coverage insurance policies and communicate to your insurer to see the place you stand.

Read extra: UK travellers hit by flight delays and cancellations forward of ‘catastrophic’ Hurricane Melissa