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Hurricane Melissa Is Disrupting Travel Across the Caribbean With Flights Grounded, Cruises Rerouted--What to Know

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ghts-grounded-cruises-rerouted-what-to-know.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 15:25 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Jamaica Faces Hurricane Melissa: What Travelers Need to Know

Travel+Leisure’s latest travel alert warns that Hurricane Melissa is set to make landfall in Jamaica during the early days of next week. The storm, currently rated a Category 3 with sustained winds of 110 mph, is expected to bring heavy rains, strong winds, and storm surges to the island’s western and central coastlines. The alert urges residents and visitors alike to prepare for possible disruptions to flights, accommodations, and essential services, and to stay informed through official sources as the situation evolves.

The Storm’s Path and Current Status

Melissa’s projected track places it directly over the western part of Jamaica, with the National Hurricane Center estimating a landfall within the next 24 hours. The National Meteorological Service of Jamaica (NMS) has issued a "Category 3 Warning" for the entire island, advising that winds exceeding 100 mph are expected in some areas. The NMS’s daily bulletin, published at 2 p.m. local time, details the forecasted wind speeds, rainfall amounts (up to 6 inches in some regions), and the risk of flooding in low-lying communities.

The island’s capital, Kingston, is located in the southeast, a bit removed from Melissa’s projected core. Nevertheless, the storm’s outer bands can still bring high winds and heavy rain, potentially affecting road conditions and electrical infrastructure. According to the NMS, the storm’s central pressure will be around 945 mb, consistent with a powerful hurricane that can cause significant damage if it makes a direct hit.

Travel Disruptions: Flights, Airports, and Ground Transportation

Flights: Jamaica International Airport (Kingston) has already begun canceling flights scheduled to depart in the next 24 hours. Many carriers, including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Caribbean Air, have postponed or canceled flights to and from Jamaica. The alert lists a "Flight Cancellation Tracker" that provides real‑time updates on airline schedules, allowing travelers to see whether their flights have been delayed, canceled, or rescheduled. The FAA’s aviation weather alerts warn that turbulence and wind shear will make flying near the storm’s path unsafe.

Ground Transportation: Road closures are anticipated along major highways such as the A1 and A2, especially in the western provinces of Trelawny and St. Elizabeth. The Jamaica Tourist Board’s website, which is linked from the alert, offers a "Traffic and Road Condition Map" updated hourly. Cyclists and motorcyclists should avoid the beaches in the western region, where surf and high winds could be dangerous.

Accommodation: Many hotels in the affected zones have already begun issuing evacuation orders. The travel alert includes a list of "Hotel Evacuation Notices" that detail which properties have closed, which have opened emergency shelters, and which are still operating. Guests staying at resorts such as the Hilton Rose Hall or the Iberostar Rose Hall are advised to check their hotel’s website or contact the front desk for the latest instructions. If a stay is canceled, most hotels are offering refunds or rescheduling options; however, those with fixed‑price packages should verify policy details.

Safety Precautions for Residents and Visitors

1. Secure Your Home or Rental: Use storm shutters or plywood to protect windows. Store loose objects outside and in garages. Ensure your home is cleared of debris that could become airborne during high winds.

2. Have an Emergency Kit: A 24‑hour emergency kit should contain bottled water, non‑perishable food, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first‑aid kit, a battery‑powered radio, and a copy of important documents.

3. Know the Evacuation Route: The Jamaica Tourist Board’s evacuation map outlines the primary routes from each municipality. Travelers should familiarize themselves with the nearest emergency shelters, many of which are located in hotels and community centers.

4. Follow Official Guidance: Check the NMS website and the U.S. Department of State travel advisory page for updates. The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Jamaica (linked from the travel alert) currently advises U.S. citizens to exercise heightened caution and to “avoid nonessential travel” to the affected areas.

5. Travel Insurance Matters: The article stresses that having comprehensive travel insurance covering natural disasters is crucial. Many travel insurers include coverage for hurricanes, offering reimbursements for flight cancellations, hotel refunds, and emergency medical expenses. Travelers should review their policies for exclusions and claim procedures.

Post‑Storm Recovery and Future Travel

The travel alert also highlights that even after Melissa’s eye passes, there can be a prolonged recovery period. Roads may be impassable for days, power outages can last weeks, and tourist attractions might remain closed. The Jamaica Tourist Board recommends waiting at least a week before planning a visit to the affected regions. They also mention a "Post‑Storm Recovery Fund" established by the Ministry of Tourism to help rebuild affected businesses and infrastructure, which could offer travelers opportunities to support local communities through responsible tourism.

Travel+Leisure includes a brief interview with a local meteorologist from the NMS, who emphasizes that the storm’s severity could change rapidly. He urges viewers to heed early warnings and to use official communication channels. He also notes that while the storm’s impact will be significant, Jamaica’s robust emergency response systems and community resilience are strong. The meteorologist’s remarks appear in a short 2‑minute video embedded in the article, offering visual updates on Melissa’s trajectory.

How to Stay Informed

The alert points to a “Live Weather Feed” provided by the NMS, which updates every 15 minutes and shows current wind speeds, rainfall, and storm surge levels. It also recommends subscribing to the Jamaica Tourism Board’s SMS alerts for immediate updates. Travelers are reminded to keep their phones charged and to have a backup battery.

In addition to the primary alert, the article links to a detailed guide on “Preparing for a Hurricane in the Caribbean.” This guide covers steps such as checking travel insurance, securing luggage, arranging for a backup plan for accommodations, and ensuring you have a reliable source of information in the event of power outages.

In Summary

Hurricane Melissa poses a serious threat to Jamaica, with the potential to disrupt flights, damage coastal infrastructure, and displace residents. Travelers should prepare by securing their accommodations, following official advisories, and ensuring they have appropriate insurance coverage. The Jamaica Tourist Board and the National Meteorological Service provide real‑time updates and resources to help people stay safe. While the storm’s immediate impact may be severe, the island’s emergency preparedness and community resilience are expected to mitigate some of the damage, and post‑storm recovery efforts will focus on restoring services and supporting affected businesses. Travelers who are planning to visit Jamaica in the coming weeks should stay vigilant, keep an eye on the latest forecasts, and adjust their plans accordingly.