Hundreds of British holidaymakers are believed to be trapped in Jamaica as the country braces for the 'worst ever' hurricane hitting the island.
Hurricane Melissa is believed to be the strongest storm of 2025 so far. A category five storm, the hurricane is reported to be carrying wind speeds of up to 135mph (282km/h) and is expected to make landfall on the Caribbean island this morning.
The storm is also expected to bring deadly flooding across the island, particularly to low-lying areas, such as the nation's capital, Kingston.
Meanwhile, the island's major international airports have all been closed in preparation for the storm, leaving hundreds of tourists to ride it out in their hotels.
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This includes around 200 Brits, with the UK Foreign Office currently issuing a warning to tourists on the island, noting that 'catastrophic flash floods and landslides are likely' in the aftermath of Melissa.
The storm is also expected to unleash around 700 millimetres of rain and 4-metre storm surges along coastal areas.
One British holidaymaker has spoken out about the peril faced by everyone on the island, telling Sky News there was 'nothing really we could do' after international flights were cancelled.
"If I knew that the hurricane would hit while I was out here, I wouldn’t have gone at all," tourist Andrew Tracey told the news outlet from the coastal town of Negril.
He continued: "It’s hard to comprehend what we’re about to expect. I’ve never experienced any kind of hurricane, let alone a Category 5.
"The tension in the hotel last night when we went down for dinner was definitely one of nerves, even locals."
The UK FCDO has an emergency line open; Brits in need of assistance are urged to 'contact Consular Support at 876-936-0700 (Select Option 2)'.
Local communities and tourists have been warned not to take any chances with the storm, with officials stressing that the storm and its weather-related events pose a significant threat to life.
"There is nowhere that will escape the wrath of this hurricane,” Evan Thompson, principal director of Jamaica’s Meteorological Service, warned.
"It’s going to sit there, pouring water while it’s barely moving – and that is a significant challenge… as long as what is predicted does take place."
Jamaica's Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon told BBC Newshour that the island was bracing for a storm 'the likes of which we have never seen'.
"We've been having rain all of October. So the ground is already very saturated. And then to take that much rain means we're going to have flooding, extensive flooding and landslides in the mountainous areas," she said, adding that the nation had activated all '881 shelters'.
Brenna Cooper