What started as a dream honeymoon has devolved into a frightening experience for Texas newlyweds Kasydee and Hunter Bishop, who find themselves marooned in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm bears down on the island, according to reports.
Hurricane Melissa is projected to become the most powerful hurricane in Jamaica’s history, with sustained winds reaching 175 mph. Authorities are issuing warnings about perilous flash flooding, landslides, and extensive destruction across nearby areas. Both residents and visitors are being strongly advised to implement emergency preparations as the storm approaches.
The Bishops, currently staying on the island’s northwest coast, arrived just prior to the issuance of evacuation orders, Fox 4 reported. Since then, the airport has been secured and all departing flights cancelled, leaving numerous tourists stranded as the hurricane intensifies, the station further noted.
“All we’re hearing about is the storm’s impending intensity, and we truly have no idea what to anticipate at this moment,” Hunter stated, as per the local station.
Kasydee mentioned she had been praying that the hurricane wouldn’t disrupt airport operations and prevent their journey home. However, the couple has since relocated to a shelter as the storm traverses the country.
“At least we feel quite safe here!!” she expressed in a TikTok post on Monday, adding that she feels deeply fortunate to have a place to stay. “Just continuously praying for the protection of everyone here!!!”
As Melissa advances northeast, various regions are preparing for significant rainfall, inundation, storm surges, and destructive winds. Areas outside the storm’s direct trajectory are also expected to encounter severe weather conditions.
Jamaica’s last encounter with a hurricane of comparable force was Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, a Category 4 storm recognized as the nation’s deadliest and most destructive. The storm rendered hundreds homeless and compelled thousands into crowded emergency shelters, according to a report from the National Library of Jamaica. Despite its ferocity, the official death toll remained relatively low with 45 fatalities and few reported injuries, yet the storm inflicted an estimated $800 million in damages across the island, the publication indicated.