Kingston, Jamaica – As Jamaica watches the approach of tropical storm-system Tropical Storm Melissa, the island recalls its history of major storms and reflects on how it has rebuilt and prepared. Meteorologists warn Melissa could intensify rapidly and linger near the island, bringing prolonged rain and wind.
Current Threat: Storm Melissa
Forecasters say Melissa, currently south-east of Jamaica and moving slowly, may become a major hurricane within days. The slow motion means Jamaica could face several days of storm-force conditions, not just a brief surge. Projections suggest the island could see up to 14 inches (≈36 cm) of rainfall, triggering flooding and landslides especially in mountainous and already-saturated zones. Authorities have issued tropical-storm and hurricane watches and warnings; at this time schools, airports and government offices are on heightened alert.
Residents are being urged: don’t wait for the storm’s eye to arrive before acting. The threat is real—and the window to prepare is narrowing.
Reflection: When Hurricane Gilbert Hit
I was here in Jamaica when Hurricane Gilbert struck in September 1988. I remember the roar as if it came from every direction at once. Back then our homes were mostly wood-frame with zinc roofs; they were light, vulnerable. The storm ripped through them like paper, exposing how fragile we were.
And yet, amid the chaos, there was community. Neighbours checked on each other. We cooked together, shared what we had—a car-load of plantin’ from Guys Hill, St Mary, tins of bully-beef—and laughed nervously as gusts rattled remaining window slats. Soon after came the song: Wild Gilbert by Lovindeer. “Wild, wild, wild, wild Gilbert…” it chanted—turning disaster into music, fear into folklore.
That period, though terrifying, also felt strangely communal and alive. Rain that would not cease. Winds that seemed endless. But we were together.
From Wood to Stone: Jamaica’s Transformation
Since Gilbert, Jamaica has progressed. The island that relied on timber and tin has embraced concrete, steel, reinforced blocks. Building standards evolved. Construction practices matured.
Today you see sturdy homes on hillsides, apartments in Kingston and Montego Bay, developments that blend resilience and design. We are not invincible—but we are stronger, wiser.
Gilbert forced us up: beauty means little without strength; a home is more than walls—it’s a promise of safety.
A Full History of Hurricanes in Jamaica
The natural environment of Jamaica places us firmly in the hurricane belt. The earliest recorded event dates back to 1559 when a storm caused severe damage to island infrastructure. Since then, many tropical storms and hurricanes of varying intensity have impacted Jamaica.
- On average, Jamaica is hit by a hurricane (major landfall) about once every 10-11 years, and by a close-pass about every 4 years.
- Rainfall, flooding and landslides often cause more damage than wind alone in many of Jamaica's worst events.
- Risk-modelling shows that if Gilbert struck under today’s economy, losses could reach approximately USD 1.3 billion (almost 10 % of GDP).
Key milestone storms:
- Hurricane Charlie (1951): More than 150 deaths in Jamaica, widespread damage, major banana-crop loss.
- Hurricane Gilbert (1988): Up to 823 mm of rain in mountainous areas, storm-surge up to 12 m, over 100,000 homes damaged or destroyed.
- Hurricane Dennis (2005): Winds ~111 km/h in Montego Bay, rainfall up to ~623 mm in parts, flooding and landslides.
While Jamaica does not face direct major-category hurricanes each year, the risk remains significant.
Preparing for the Next One — Like Storm Melissa
Whether Melissa turns away or strikes, the preparation is the same. Preparedness isn’t panic—it’s wisdom.
Here are twenty ways to protect your family, your home, your hosting venture. They’re grouped by cost so you can act now—and build for the future.
Affordable / Low-Cost Steps
- Choose your safe room: interior space, minimal windows.
- Create a family plan with your household and local relatives.
- Pack an emergency kit: torch, batteries, water (3 days), non-perishables, first-aid, cash.
- Secure outdoor items: chairs, pots, tarps, garden gear.
- Clean your drains and gutters—water causes more damage than wind.
- Photograph your property & contents; store digital backups.
- Enlist a local relative or neighbour to check the property if you are away.
- Keep printed emergency contacts—power/phones can fail.
- Stock up early: fuel, medicine, pet supplies, cash.
- Stay informed: follow the Jamaica Meteorological Service & trusted channels.
Moderate / Medium-Cost Measures
- Install shutters or pre-cut plywood boards for windows.
- Elevate valuables & electronics above flood-level.
- Install a small generator or battery backup.
- Inspect and reinforce your roof: nails, straps, overhangs.
- Trim and secure trees or large shrubs near the house.
Higher-Investment / Future-Proofing
- Install hurricane-rated doors/windows or impact-resistant glazing.
- Elevate utility rooms and structures; install back-flow valves.
- Use hurricane clips, reinforced roof systems—tie roof to walls, walls to foundation.
- Install solar/battery backup; ensure surge protection.
- Review your insurance: wind, rain and flood coverage; hosting business protection.
Looking Ahead: Designing for Resilience
Jamaica’s future depends on remembering the past but building beyond it. Use materials that dry fast, not rot. Elevate structures in flood-zones. Let landscaping guide water away (not trap it).
Neighbours, relatives, friends—they are your real defence. A strong property alone is not enough; strong community matters too.
Faith, Science and the Jamaican Spirit
I believe Jamaica is a blessed island. Storms have turned away more than they’ve struck. Some call it geography; I call it grace. But grace doesn’t replace preparation — it rewards it.
“Jamaica stands firm when the hurricane winds howl — not because the storm forgot us, but because we have built with purpose.” — Dean Jones
“A turned-away hurricane is not a reason to relax, but a reminder to remain thankful — and ready.” — Dean Jones
And yes, of course there were the opportunists too. When the storm was at its worst, some people came out—not to help—but to take from homes others had to leave behind. It sounds unbelievable, yet it was real. Still, even that became part of the folklore of Gilbert: the madness, the mischief, the mayhem—and somehow, the laughter afterwards.
When I think back to Wild Gilbert, I picture zinc roofs flying, rain-washed laughter, neighbours cooking outdoors, children singing. It was terrifying, yes. But it was also, in its own strange way—beautiful. Because from it came a stronger, wiser Jamaica.
Storms test us. They shape us. The homes we build now are not just shelters, they’re statements of our resilience.
So whether Storm Melissa turns away or touches down—we’ll prepare, we’ll pray, and, as always, we’ll endure. Because this is Jamaica—wild sometimes, yes—but never weak.
Help & Resources (What you can do right now)
- Tune into official updates from the Jamaica Meteorological Service via radio, TV or social-media.
- Contact your parish disaster-coordinator or local office of the **Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) — register your contact & property status.
- If living overseas and owning property in Jamaica, contact your local relative or property manager now; share this checklist with them.
- Ensure you have current photo-/video-evidence of your property and its contents (for insurance/hosting purposes).
- If you host properties (via Jamaica Homes or other platform), review your guest-policy and cancellation clauses now.
- Make sure your insurance policy covers wind and flood damage; call the provider and confirm.
- Designate a safe-meeting point for family/relatives if power/phone lines fail; share it via paper and mobile.
- Secure important documents (titles, valuations, insurance) in a waterproof folder or digital cloud backup.
- Prioritise clearing the yard and surroundings: trim trees, clear debris, ensure drains are open.
- Complete these actions before official storm-watches are upgraded—once warnings are in effect, supplies may be scarce and prices may hike.
For Jamaica Homes clients: If you have any questions about making your rental/hosting property storm-ready—or need help connecting with trusted local contractors for roof inspections, shutters or storm-proofing work—contact us today. We stand ready to assist.
Disclaimer
This article based on the latest public data from the National Hurricane Center (NOAA), Met Service Jamaica, and The Weather Channel. Forecasts are subject to change as new data becomes available. Jamaica Homes provides this information for public awareness only and accepts no liability for damages or losses arising from its use. Always follow official instructions from local authorities, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), and the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s protect our homes together.