MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — People in Jamaica are being told to seek shelter as Hurricane Melissa nears.

Grocery stores were packed there all weekend as residents stocked up with supplies and boarded up buildings.

The message from officials was to do all your shopping and supply gathering on Saturday and to stay in and stay with family on Sunday.

The prime minister and other leaders shared their concern that damaging winds and heavy rainfall Sunday and Monday will cause life-threatening flooding and landslides.

Damaging winds are expected too.

Crews were out cleaning up debris and storm drains to prevent flooding.

For those trying to leave the island, the airport in Montego Bay is closing at noon local time Sunday.

People have been rushing to get out before it shuts down.

“I’m happy to get out,” said tourist Francie Maher. “I’m sad I’m leaving two days earlier, but we have to go home in case something really gets worse and worse and worse.”

“Sad,” added tourist Lisa Hayashi. “Sad that we have to leave shortly. But it is what it is. We’d rather leave and be safe than stay here and be stuck on the hurricane.”

According to Jamacia’s emergency manager, shelters in St. James Parish, where Montego Bay is located, have not opened.

He said staff is on standby.

Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.