Hurricane Melissa: Tampa Residents Worry About Loved Ones in Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa Intensifies

• 🌀 Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm, moving slowly towards Jamaica.
• ⚠️ Millions in Jamaica and Cuba are hunkering down, while thousands in Tampa Bay worry about their loved ones on these island nations.

Tampa Residents' Concerns

• ✈️ David Luain, owner of the Tampa restaurant Jamaica Jamaica, had his flight canceled and is now searching for supplies on the island, noting long lines and limited open gas stations.
• 🏠 His family on the northern coast of Jamaica is concerned about flooding and potential landslides due to the storm's proximity.

Community Support and Resilience

• 🤝 Andreana Irving expresses helplessness, wishing she could be with her family in Jamaica during the storm, emphasizing the importance of family presence.
• 📦 Andrew Ashme, owner of Jerk Hut, is collecting supplies in Tampa to send to Jamaica, highlighting the resilience of Caribbean people.
• 💪 He is confident that Jamaicans are preparing seriously and are ready to rebuild and restore normalcy immediately after the storm passes.

Storm's Impact on Jamaica

• 🌊 The storm's projected path and intensity raise concerns about flooding in low-lying areas and potential landslides.
• ⚡ Power outages have already been reported for some families on the island.
• 📈 Jamaica has seldom been hit by a storm of this magnitude, and it could be the most significant impact it has faced in over three decades.