CHICAGO — Jamaica is bracing for a potentially devastating storm expected to strike on Tuesday. The island is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa approaches with powerful Category 5 winds, posing significant threats of flooding and mudslides.
The hurricane has the potential to disrupt Jamaica’s infrastructure, including airports, highways, and communication systems, causing widespread concern among residents and authorities.
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“This might be the last time I communicate with anyone for an uncertain period,” shared Lindsey Kremer.
Kremer, who hails from Oak Forest in the southwest suburbs, is currently in Jamaica with her husband. They had traveled there to attend her best friend’s wedding, only to find themselves stranded.
As a precaution, their hotel located east of Montego Bay has been fortified, and the couple is preparing to take shelter in their bathroom.
“We’re safe for now. We have enough food and water, and we’ll make it through this,” Kremer assured. “However, it might be weeks before we can return home.”
At Jamaica Jerk Villa Bar & Grill, the festive atmosphere belies real fear and anxiety.
“I’m worried about the flooding, the rain, the infrastructure damage. People can’t get no food,” said Jamaica Jerk Villa Bar & Grill Owner Peter McKnight.
McKnight, along with is workers at his family-owned restaurant in Auburn Gresham, have relatives in Jamaica, not far from where Melissa could make landfall.
“Everybody’s scared. I tried to call them today, but it seemed like the service is off. Can nobody answer, so I’m really worried about it,” McKnight said.
“Just help us to pray for them because they need the prayer right now. They need the prayer, and they need strength. Prayer and strength,” said Tamara McKnight.
Even before the storm comes ashore, some in the Chicago area are planning for relief efforts.
Ephraim Martin has been on the phone a lot.
“Right now, we are getting through OK on WhatsApp, but we don’t know what it’s going to be after tonight,” Martin said.
He is the president of Martin’s International, which produces several festivals and events in the Chicago area, and he is a son of Jamaica.
“We know that tonight, most people will be off the street and taking proper caution,” Martin said.
Hundreds of thousands of Chicagoans are believed to have family origins in Jamaica. And many now are watching as Hurricane Melissa gets closer.
“The condition of their homes is just outrageous. Terrible water leaking in, no bed to sleep on. It’s just horrific,” said Patricia Gordon.
Gordon is the executive director of the Chicago Caribbean Carnival. She plans to go to Jamaica as soon as the storm passes to help her relatives.
“It’s been very, very sad and worrisome. When I get the phone calls, we are unable to hear each other. It’s just a sad moment right now,” Gordon said.
“There will likely be mudslides a lot of power lines and things that will affect the infrastructure of the country,” said Lester Barclay.
Barclay is the Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Chicago. He says for the island, which many know as a vacation destination, to recover, it will require help from more than just those who feel a personal connection to people of Jamaica.
“A lot of people who love Jamaica and have had fond memories of the island; many people have gone there for weddings and vacations. We want those people to be sensitive to the need,” Barclay said.
While no one knows what the next hours hold, those ABC7 spoke with anticipate the needs will be great.
Barclay says there will be a need for clothing, generators, and other supplies, and he is in contact with the embassy on next steps.
