Home / Disasters and Accidents / Tourists Trapped in Jamaica as Powerful Hurricane Melissa Slams Island
Tourists Trapped in Jamaica as Powerful Hurricane Melissa Slams Island
28 Oct
Summary
- Thousands of tourists stranded in Jamaica due to Hurricane Melissa
- Flights canceled, airports closed, and roads flooded or blocked by debris
- Resorts and villas on lockdown as the Category 5 storm brings 175 mph winds and up to 40 inches of rain
As of October 28th, 2025, thousands of tourists' Jamaican vacations have been turned into a nightmare as powerful Hurricane Melissa slams the Caribbean island. The Category 5 storm, packing sustained winds of around 175 mph and dumping up to 40 inches of rain in some areas, has prompted Jamaican authorities to declare a national emergency and order mass evacuations.
However, the huge shutdown has trapped thousands of holidaymakers in beach resorts and rented villas, with no way off the island. Airports have been closed, and many roads have been left underwater or covered in debris, leaving tourists stranded. According to reports, around 5,000 British tourists are currently on the island, with many taking to social media to describe their "nightmare" vacation.
Travel agents have also reported feeling "helpless" as their desperate clients bombard them with demands to return home. The situation has been further compounded by the country's energy minister warning that around 51,000 people have already been left without power as the storm worsens.
