Linsey Davis, filling in for ABC World News Tonight anchor David Muir, broke into the program with a live news update.
Addressing viewers from the ABC News studios on Sunday night, Linsey started off by saying, “Good evening, everyone. Thanks so much for joining us on this Sunday. I’m Linsey Davis. There was major development in that brazen jewel heist in Paris, but we do begin tonight with breaking news.
“Major hurricane Melissa is gaining strength and posing a catastrophic threat to Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean. This satellite image shows the eye of Melissa as it intensified into a category four hurricane.”
The seasoned journalist, who often steps in for David, 51, over the weekend, continued, “The storm has already claimed at least three lives in Haiti, flooding streets and destroying homes.
“It also left a trail of destruction across the Dominican Republic. Jamaica is now preparing for the worst hurricane in decades, with as much as 40 inches of rain and potentially life-threatening flooding.”
As footage of the devastating conditions played, Linsey continued, “People scrambled to leave the island ahead of the powerful hurricane; all of the airports there are now closed. Our weather team is tracking it all, but first, ABC Ike Ejiochi leads us off from Kingston, Jamaica.”
Ike, who found himself in the eye of the storm, described how residents have been hoarding food and gas while bracing for impact, with some fleeing Jamaica altogether. Hurricane Melissa has already taken three lives.
Footage then captured volunteers in South Florida assembling relief packages destined for storm-ravaged areas throughout the Caribbean.
Ike wrapped up his report by informing Linsey that weather conditions are “expected to deteriorate through the night.”
ABC World News Tonight posted the segment on Instagram with the caption, “Jamaica now bracing for a direct hit from what’s expected to be the strongest hurricane on record to make landfall in the country. @ikeejiochi has the details.”
The heartbreaking update sparked an immediate response from viewers, with one person writing, “Praying for my family and all of [Jamaica],” while another added, “Praying for Jamaica and the surrounding islands.”
A third viewer wrote, “Omg this is devastating!!! Sending them all of my love and prayers,” as a fourth agreed, “God keep all protected from the worst that could happen.”
“Praying for my family and all my fellow Jamaicans as the hurricane approaches. May God’s protection cover our island and everyone in its path,” one commenter expressed.
A sixth person revealed, “Just left from Montego Bay last nite we are fortunate. The Jamaicans treated us wonderfully while we were there for two full weeks they made sure we enjoyed our trip while they feared for their lives ahead.”
“Stay safe Jamaica and God bless, prayers for all,” the viewer ended their message. Other users responded with praying hands and crying face emojis.