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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.

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 – 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.