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KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, threatening to escalate into a major hurricane, the Area 4 police team has pledged its full support to safeguard residents and critical infrastructure. Assistant Commissioner Michael Phipps, head of Area 4, emphasized the importance of proactive measures to ensure public safety and protect vulnerable areas during and after the storm.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa looms over the Caribbean, Jamaicans in the Corporate Area have rushed to stores, leaving shelves bare in preparation for the potential impact. Despite the tropical storm warning and hurricane watch issued since Thursday morning, some shoppers expressed doubts about the necessity of their frantic purchases, citing past experiences where storms veered away from the island. Andrew Sinclair, a customer at the National Bakery on Balmoral Avenue, voiced his skepticism, recalling instances where warnings led to excessive spending without significant consequences. However, most residents are erring on the side of caution, with long lines and increased sales reported at supermarkets and bakeries. At Brooklyn Supermarket, Jamela Anderson remained unfazed, expecting only heavy rain, while Diana Mendez stocked up on essentials for her granddaughter but expressed concern over the storm’s slow movement. Richie Bramwell, shopping with his son, focused on canned goods and emphasized the importance of preparedness, despite feeling minimally threatened. Stores like MegaMart and Sampers Supermarket reported unprecedented activity, with items like bottled water, canned food, and batteries flying off the shelves. Customers like Omar Mills expressed hope for minimal damage and the safety of all residents as the island braces for Melissa’s arrival.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a proactive move to address potential water disruptions caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, the Jamaican government has readied over 50 triple-phase generators for deployment. These generators aim to restore potable water to 80% of National Water Commission (NWC) customers within 72 hours post-storm. The announcement was made by Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, during a press briefing at Jamaica House on Friday. This initiative follows the lessons learned from Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, which caused significant delays in water restoration for several communities. Additionally, four mobile generators have been rented to support vulnerable areas at risk of prolonged water supply disruptions. Samuda emphasized that this approach marks a significant improvement from previous responses, enabling communities to replenish water storage facilities and stabilize distribution systems. The NWC is collaborating closely with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to prioritize the restoration of water pumps serving critical infrastructure, including hospitals and detention centers. Furthermore, the ministry is coordinating with municipal corporations and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to ensure water trucking services are promptly delivered to affected areas once the storm has passed.

In a proactive move to combat potential flooding, Councillor Daedre Moulton of the Jamaica Labour Party has announced that the National Works Agency (NWA) is actively clearing critical drains across St Mary Western. This initiative is part of broader flood mitigation efforts in anticipation of severe weather conditions, including heavy rains and strong winds. Moulton emphasized the importance of addressing both major and minor drainage systems in key areas such as Content, Rio Nuevo, Emerald Estate, Jamaica Beach, Prospect, Dry Gully, and ‘Bruk Weh.’ While acknowledging the limitations of disaster preparedness, she urged residents to take necessary precautions and assured them of timely assistance if needed. Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for St Mary Central, Omar Newell, joined NWA teams on the ground to oversee the clearing of debris from major drains. Newell described the efforts as ‘late mitigation work’ and highlighted the need for additional funding to address the escalating severity of the approaching storm, Melissa. He also expressed satisfaction with the NWA’s progress, particularly given the late allocation of resources. Work has already commenced in several areas, including Pagee, Moncrieffe, Hillside Primary, and Gully Road, though long-standing drainage issues remain a challenge.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — With Tropical Storm Melissa nearing Jamaica, the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA) has issued a stern warning to motorists to exercise heightened caution on the roads. Owen Smith, General Manager of the JAA, emphasized the dangers of driving in flood-prone areas and urged drivers to plan their routes carefully to avoid high-risk zones such as Marcus Garvey Drive in the Corporate Area, as well as parts of St. James, St. Elizabeth, Clarendon, and St. Thomas. Smith highlighted that floodwaters pose severe risks, including potential vehicle shutdowns, engine damage, and life-threatening situations for drivers and passengers. He also warned that floodwaters can be deceptive, often hiding debris, potholes, and other hazards. Even one to two feet of water can sweep away most vehicles, including SUVs. Smith advised motorists to turn around if they encounter flooded roads and to seek higher ground immediately if their vehicle stalls. Beyond flooding, heavy rainfall reduces visibility and increases stopping distances. Smith recommended using headlights, maintaining extra space between vehicles, and reducing speed by at least a third on wet roads to avoid hydroplaning. He also cautioned against using cruise control during rain, as it can hinder proper deceleration, while traction control should be engaged to enhance stability. In extreme conditions, Smith advised pulling over and waiting for the weather to improve. The JAA remains on standby to assist motorists 24/7, as it did during Hurricane Beryl, but Smith urged drivers to prioritize safety during the storm season.