Jamaica Braces for Category 5 Hurricane Melissa: Resort Owner's Fears

Hurricane Melissa Threatens Jamaica

• ⚠️ Officials in Jamaica are urging residents, especially those in low-lying areas, to prepare for Hurricane Melissa and move to higher ground as time runs out.
• 🌊 The storm is expected to cause massive flooding due to surf, necessitating the relocation of people from their current homes.
• 🚨 The primary concern is protecting lives, as homes can be rebuilt but lives cannot be recovered.

Resort Owner's Preparations

• 🌴 Winthrop Wellington, a native of Freeport, Long Island and owner of Travelers Beach Resort in Negril, Jamaica, is working against time to secure his property.
• 👥 He is also focused on protecting 30 stranded hotel guests and staff at the resort located on the famous 7 Mile Beach.
• 🛠️ Preparations include placing sandbags, clearing the pool deck, and boarding up structures like the gym, family room, and oceanfront restaurant, removing all glass.

Impact and Uncertainty

• 🌀 Hurricane Melissa, a historic category 5 storm, is on a direct path to make landfall in Negril.
• ⚡ Wellington expresses an "eerie feeling" that the storm could change Jamaica forever, anticipating power outages, potential water shortages, and uncertain road conditions.
• 🏠 He feels more confident staying at the resort than at his home.

Resident's Perspective

• 💬 Kenya Wagstaff, a recent transplant to Jamaica from Flatbush, Brooklyn, is facing her first hurricane and has sought support at the resort.
• 😨 Both Wellington and Wagstaff express fear, with Wellington stating, "I am scared for Jamaica. You know, I don't know what this is going to turn out to be."
• 💥 Wagstaff anticipates an "extremely violent experience" once landfall occurs.