LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – A Louisville couple is trapped in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa, a record-tying Category 5 storm, slammed into the island with catastrophic wind and rain.
Officials say Melissa is the most powerful hurricane to ever hit Jamaica, leaving widespread destruction and thousands of travelers stranded.
The couple, staying at a resort in Montego Bay, spoke with WDRB as they sheltered in place amid the raging storm.
“This is so unreal, like we are living through a hurricane that is supposed to make this country unrecognizable,” said Johni Ison.
What began as a birthday vacation quickly turned terrifying. From their balcony, the couple captured video of blinding wind, torrential rain, and debris whipping through the air.
“These big old trees are falling. We just saw a roof flying across — just everything is flying and breaking apart and falling over. It’s really, really bad. It sounds like the loudest whistle you’ve ever heard in your life,” Ison said.
They’ve been told to stay inside since Monday night as the storm continues to pound the island. The hotel has boarded up windows, power and Wi-Fi are unstable, and meals are being delivered in paper bags.
Despite the danger, Ison said the hotel staff have remained calm and compassionate, caring for guests even as their own homes may be destroyed.
“They are walking around smiling, making sure we are fed, when in reality they have to think about things they’ve had their whole lives — gone forever,” she said.
The couple was scheduled to fly home to Louisville on Wednesday, but with airports closed and flights canceled, it’s unclear when they’ll be able to leave.
“It is honestly scary,” Ison said.
As they wait out the hurricane, she said her heart is with the people of Jamaica who may have lost everything.
“We get to come home. They are about to lose everything,” Ison said.
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