Jamaica’s airports may close within 24 hours of Hurricane Warning

Jamaica’s two international airports could shut down within 24 hours of a Hurricane Warning being issued, as emergency protocols have been fully activated ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa, Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Transportation Daryl Vaz announced Thursday.

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Speaking at a special briefing on storm preparedness at Jamaica House, Vaz said both Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston have implemented heightened safety measures.

“At Sangster International Airport, MBJ Airports Limited has implemented pre-hurricane measures, including drainage and tree clearing, testing of generators with a 36-hour fuel reserve, and positioning of emergency supplies,” he said. “At Norman Manley International Airport, PACKAL (PAC Kingston Airport Limited) has directed stakeholders to secure assets and complete drain cleaning, structural checks, and power system tests.”

While Jamaica remains under a Hurricane Watch, Vaz noted that closures would only occur once the Meteorological Office issues a Hurricane Warning. “It is not a must that both of them will be closed at the same time,” he said. “It all depends on the tracking of the storm or the hurricane, and the elements in terms of the locations of the two airports, which are, obviously, on the sea.”

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Melissa is expected to intensify into a hurricane by Saturday and could become a major hurricane — Category 3 or higher — early next week. But its exact path remains uncertain.

Between Thursday and Sunday, southern Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and eastern Jamaica could see between 8 and 14 inches of rain, forecasters said, with up to four inches expected in other areas, including Puerto Rico and Aruba. The storm’s slow movement raises the risk of flash flooding, landslides, and storm surges, especially in coastal and mountainous regions.

Hospitals in Jamaica began limiting services to non-emergency patients on Thursday, while some government offices have been temporarily closed. In the Dominican Republic, schools and public offices in several provinces have also shut down as authorities urge residents to complete preparations ahead of worsening conditions expected by Friday.

Vaz said any potential airport closures are expected between Friday evening and Saturday, depending on the storm’s progress. “Both airports will expedite reopening once safety is confirmed,” he assured, adding that updates will be shared through official bulletins, social media, and coordination with airlines and government partners.

Meanwhile, forecasters warn that essential weather monitoring and public safety alerts will continue despite the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, though staffing levels at federal weather agencies remain lower than usual.