Holidaymakers have been told to expect disruption and the potential cancellation of their travel plans as Hurricane Melissa brings death and destruction to the western Caribbean.
As of Monday, Melissa has been ranked as a “Category Five” hurricane – the highest possible category of hurricane, which can bring wind speeds of at least 157mph.
If you are intending to travel to the Caribbean in the coming days, or are currently on holiday in the region, the following information covers the basics of what you need to do.
When will Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica?
Hurricane Melissa is due to make landfall somewhere on Jamaica’s lower edge later on Tuesday afternoon (Tuesday morning local time). Current predictions have the hurricane striking Jamaica’s south-west coast, although the entire island will be affected.
Is it safe to travel to Jamaica?
If you are due to travel to Jamaica on Tuesday or Wednesday, you will probably already have been told that your journey is currently impossible. The Jamaican government has closed the country’s two main airports – Norman Manley International, on the south coast in Kingston, and Sangster International at Montego Bay in the north-west – until further notice.
Passengers have been advised to wait for further details – with Sangster International instructing travellers that “when the airport reopens, passengers are asked to confirm their flight status with their airlines before travelling to the airport”.
Have flights to Jamaica been delayed or cancelled?
Yes. Virgin Atlantic has cancelled Tuesday’s departure from London Heathrow to Montego Bay, as well as the return service from Jamaica back to the UK – having taken the same course of action with Monday’s flights.
British Airways flies to Kingston three times a week from London Gatwick, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. At the time of writing, Wednesday’s flight is still scheduled to depart on time. Monday evening’s British Airways flight from Kingston to Gatwick was postponed until Tuesday – but will also be unable to operate, following the closure of Norman Manley International.
Kingston’s airport lay empty on Saturday as Jamaica prepared for Hurricane Melissa’s impact – Octavio Jones/Reuters
Will popular holiday destinations in Jamaica be affected?
It is notoriously difficult to predict the path of such storms, but Hurricane Melissa is currently projected to move across Jamaica in a north-easterly direction, which will bring it into contact with the busy resort area of Montego Bay. Other popular tourist hotspots, such as Negril Beach and Falmouth, are likely to be in its path as well.
What should I do if I am already in Jamaica?
Holidaymakers already on the island are advised to follow all local instructions. The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has issued advice for travellers caught up in the storm, and “strongly encourages” British nationals currently in Jamaica to register their presence. This will allow the FCDO to share updates and information directly with those affected.
What should I do if my flight to Jamaica has been cancelled?
If your flight has been cancelled, you may be entitled to a refund. Virgin Atlantic has issued instructions for affected passengers – including details on how to rebook.
What should I do if my holiday to Jamaica has been cancelled?
At time of writing, the FCDO has not issued a formal advisory against travel to Jamaica, so, at present, there are no special circumstances in place that enable customers to cancel a trip and receive a full refund. Travellers should check with their tour operator.
Telegraph Travel offers a complete guide on how to claim refunds and compensation in the wake of cancelled or delayed travel plans.
Will other countries be hit by Hurricane Melissa?
The latest projections have Hurricane Melissa travelling in a north-easterly direction. This would bring the storm into contact with south-eastern Cuba on Wednesday, before passing on towards the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, later in the day.
Hurricane Melissa’s projected north-easterly path means that the storm is not predicted to trouble the islands of the Lesser Antilles. Travellers with imminent holidays to the likes of Barbados, Antigua, Grenada, St Lucia and St Kitts in the diary should be unaffected.
How long will Hurricane Melissa last?
Current analysis suggests that Hurricane Melissa will reduce in intensity in the next two days, being downgraded to “Category Two” by Thursday.
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