Caribbean Travel Alert: Hurricane Melissa Intensifies Ahead of Jamaica Landfall
Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 5 storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 160 mph as it moves toward Jamaica, where officials warn of “catastrophic” flooding, landslides, and storm surge. The hurricane is expected to make landfall on the island on Tuesday morning before sweeping across Cuba and the Bahamas through midweek.
- Delta Air Lines: Waiving change fees for flights to Kingston and Montego Bay through October 28. Rebooked travel must occur by October 31.
- United Airlines: Waiving change fees and fare differences for Montego Bay and Providenciales travelers through October 29; tickets purchased on or before October 23 are eligible for rebooking through November 5.
- American Airlines: Waiving change fees for travel to/from Boscobel, George Town, Holguin, Kingston, Montego Bay, Providenciales, Santiago de Cuba, and South Caicos through October 29, provided new flights depart by November 1.
- Southwest Airlines: Waiver applies to Montego Bay through October 29; rebookings must occur within 14 days of the original travel date.
- JetBlue: Waiving change/cancel fees and fare differences for Kingston and Montego Bay through October 31; flights must be rebooked by November 8.
What to Expect in Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become the most powerful storm ever to make landfall in Jamaica, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). Parts of eastern Jamaica could see up to 40 inches of rain, raising the risk of dangerous flash flooding and landslides across the region.
A storm surge of up to 13 feet is also expected along Kingston’s coastline—home to Jamaica’s main international airport and several key power facilities—potentially disrupting travel and essential services.
All airports across Jamaica were closed on Sunday in preparation for Melissa’s arrival, and emergency shelters have opened island-wide.
Regional Impacts Across the Caribbean
Melissa has already impacted the northern Caribbbean, including Haiti and the Dominican Republic, causing the deaths of at least four people. The slow-moving system is expected to make landfall in Jamaica early Tuesday, before moving to southeastern Cuba later in the day as a Category 3 storm. Hurricane warnings are in effect for Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguin provinces, with tropical storm warnings for Las Tunas.
The southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are also on alert as the system continues its path northward, potentially bringing damaging winds and heavy rainfall later this week.
Air Travel Disruptions and Airline Waivers
Major airlines have issued travel waivers for affected destinations, allowing passengers to rebook or cancel without penalty.
Travelers whose flights are canceled by the airlines may also be eligible for full refunds, even for non-refundable tickets.
What Travelers Should Know
With airports shuttered and cruise lines rerouting around the storm, travel across the western Caribbean is severely impacted.
Those with upcoming travel to Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, Turks and Caicos, or the Bahamas should monitor airline updates closely and avoid nonessential travel until the storm passes.
For now, officials across the Caribbean are urging everyone in the storm’s path to stay indoors, prepare emergency supplies, and follow local evacuation orders.