Kingston (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK tourists in Jamaica warned as Hurricane Melissa, a historic Category 5 storm, approaches; airports closed and FCDO with Royal Navy on alert.
As reported by The Independent, British visitors in Jamaica are urged to prepare as the island faces a record-breaking storm.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has opened a crisis centre to assist Britons in the Caribbean, while HMS Trent of the Royal Navy remains on standby.
The island of Jamaica faces Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, the strongest since records began 174 years ago. Its international airports have been closed until further notice.
What did Abta advise Britons amid the Jamaica Hurricane airport closures?
British travel organisation Abta urges UK travellers in Jamaica to stay informed as the storm approaches.
A spokesperson stated,
“The international airports in Jamaica are now closed as a precaution until the storm passes. Travel providers are liaising with their suppliers locally and providing advice and assistance to their customers.”
They said,
“Customers currently in Jamaica are advised to monitor local news and should follow the advice of the local authorities, their accommodation and travel providers,”
adding,
“Customers who are imminently due to travel to Jamaica should liaise with their travel provider and airline to establish if there are any changes to their travel arrangements.”
How is the Foreign Office helping Britons in Jamaica amid the storm?
An FCDO spokesperson stated,
“We are closely tracking Hurricane Melissa and have updated our travel advice for countries and territories across the region. In Jamaica, we are urging British nationals there to follow the guidance of the local authorities – especially in the event of any evacuation orders.”
They said,
“Airports are currently closed and British tourists on package holidays should contact their travel provider for advice. Anyone worried about adequate shelter can find their nearest shelter through the Jamaican government’s list of available hurricane shelters, which we have put on our travel advice,”
adding,
“We stand ready to support our partners and British nationals in the region.”
The FCDO warns of catastrophic flash floods and landslides, with up to 700mm of rain, four-metre waves, and 135mph winds.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said she has spoken with Jamaica’s counterpart, Kamina Smith, to offer support and is monitoring Hurricane Melissa.
She posted on X,
“The UK is closely monitoring Hurricane Melissa as it approaches Jamaica. I have spoken to @kaminajsmith to offer our support. The FCDO stands ready to help British nationals 24/7. Follow our travel advice and the advice of Jamaican authorities.”
The UK is closely monitoring Hurricane Melissa as it approaches Jamaica. I have spoken to @kaminajsmith to offer our support.
— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) October 27, 2025
The FCDO stands ready to help British nationals 24/7. Follow our travel advice and the advice of Jamaican authorities. https://t.co/KLbHzukqls
What does the Jamaican Health Ministry report on storm-related deaths?
The island of Jamaica is feeling the impact of the hurricane, with three deaths reported by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
The Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness posted on X, “We urge the public to exercise extreme caution: activities such as climbing roofs, securing sandbags, or cutting trees may seem manageable, but even minor mistakes during hurricane conditions can result in serious injury or death.”
They added, “Driving through flooded roads or areas with debris is also extremely hazardous. Health centres remain closed, but hospitals are open and attending to storm-related injuries. Please be wise, stay safe, and protect yourself and your family during this storm.”
What did the IFRC say about Hurricane Melissa’s potential impact in Jamaica?
The International Federation of Red Cross warns that Hurricane Melissa could affect 1.5 million people in Jamaica.
Necephor Mghendi, IFRC head for the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, said 1.5 million people could be affected, adding the figure may be “underestimated.”
What did Colin Bogle say about fear and displacement during the Jamaican storm?
An adviser for Mercy Corps, Colin Bogle, said most families are staying in place despite government evacuation orders.
He added,
“Many have never experienced anything like this before, and the uncertainty is frightening. There is profound fear of losing homes and livelihoods, of injury, and of displacement.”
What did Dr Leanne Archer say about Jamaica’s most devastating storm?
Dr Leanne Archer, a climate extremes expert at Bristol, said Hurricane Melissa has been “supercharged” by the climate crisis.
He explained,
“There has been a perfect storm of conditions leading to the colossal strength of Hurricane Melissa: a warm ocean which has fuelled its rapid intensification over the last few days, but it is also moving slowly, meaning more rain can fall whilst it moves across land. Most of these conditions have been supercharged by the extra heat in our oceans and atmosphere due to climate change. A warmer ocean means more energy; more strength; and more moisture in the warmer atmosphere means more rain can fall with a higher intensity.”
Mr Archer said,
“Jamaica experienced a devastating hurricane in 1903, but analysis of this event undertaken by climate scientists have shown that this same hurricane would have been more intense if it occurred now due to climate change.”
He stated,
“This suggests Hurricane Melissa could be the most devastating hurricane to ever hit Jamaica, which will have been amplified by our heating planet,”
adding,
“Climate scientists are clear that a heating planet is likely to fuel hurricanes that lead to larger storm surges (due to higher sea levels); more intense rainfall; higher intensities and a larger number of events that become the most catastrophic (Category 4-5 events). Hurricane Melissa has all these aspects.”
Which hurricanes reached category 5 in 2024-2025?
- Melissa (2025): Category 5, 175 mph, major impact in Jamaica.
- Erin (2025): Category 5, August, hit Cape Verde & eastern Caribbean.
- Humberto (2025): Category 5, affected the Bahamas & Bermuda.
- Milton (2024): Category 5, 180 mph, damage in Florida & Gulf.
- Beryl (2024): Category 5, 165 mph, early-season intensity.
