Dozens of British tourists have found themselves unexpectedly stranded in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa continues to batter the Caribbean island, causing widespread flight cancellations and travel chaos.
The Foreign Office has issued an urgent warning advising against all but essential travel to Jamaica as the powerful storm unleashes torrential rains and destructive winds across the popular holiday destination.
Travel Plans in Turmoil
British holidaymakers who anticipated returning home this week now face indefinite delays as airlines suspend operations indefinitely. Airports across Jamaica have closed their runways, leaving travellers with no choice but to wait out the dangerous weather conditions.
"We were supposed to fly back to Manchester yesterday, but now we're stuck here until further notice," said one British tourist speaking from their Montego Bay hotel. "The hotel staff have been brilliant, but it's worrying not knowing when we'll get home."
Foreign Office Guidance
The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice, warning British nationals currently in Jamaica to:
- Follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services
- Remain in safe accommodation until the storm passes
- Keep family and friends in the UK informed of their situation
- Monitor local news and weather reports closely
- Register their presence with the Foreign Office if they haven't already
Storm Impact Worsens
Hurricane Melissa has been classified as a major hurricane, with sustained winds exceeding 110mph causing significant damage to infrastructure across Jamaica. Emergency services are reporting widespread flooding and power outages, particularly in coastal areas.
Local authorities have established emergency shelters in affected regions, though many tourists have chosen to remain in their hotels, which are generally better equipped to withstand severe weather conditions.
The Met Office continues to monitor the situation closely, with meteorologists predicting the storm system will maintain its intensity for at least the next 48 hours before gradually weakening.
