Hurricane Melissa is set to hit Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm, threatening severe flooding and landslides
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Hurricane Melissa is closing in on Jamaica and is expected to make landfall Tuesday as a Category 5 storm, with winds over 160 miles per hour.
Forecasters warn the island could see catastrophic flooding and landslides.
In Jacksonville, members of the city’s Jamaican community are watching closely as the powerful storm moves closer to home.
At Island Tropics Restaurant and Lounge in Springfield, the TVs are tuned to weather updates and phones are buzzing with messages from family and friends on the island.
DJ Williams, who works at the restaurant, moved from Jamaica to the U.S. five years ago and now calls Jacksonville home. Originally from the coast of Jamaica, his parents remain there—already feeling the storm’s impact.
“I’m so much concerned more than they are in the situation right now, but they’re not doing so well. They lost a few power a few days ago and there’s been a lot of rain,” said Williams.
He says he’s been working long hours to help support them financially.
“And I’m really worried about how this hurricane is gonna have an impact over Jamaica because we are already feeling the effects of the wind and the rain and the flooding,” said Williams.
Williams adds that Island Tropics has become a place of comfort for many in Jacksonville’s Jamaican community.
“I feel sad knowing that there’s not a lot of handy stuff I can do to help around this time around,” said Williams. “I pray because that’s all we can do right now is just leave it up to God.”
Island Tropics says anyone who wants to help can stop by or contact the restaurant directly.