Hurricane Melissa Strands Thousands in Jamaica, Disrupts Caribbean and US Flights

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 185 mph, has caused severe disruptions in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, leading to airport closures and flight cancellations. The UK government is arranging charter flights to repatriate stranded British tourists and has pledged emergency humanitarian aid to Jamaica, where up to three-quarters of the island is without power and significant damage has occurred, particularly in Montego Bay. The hurricane has also affected air travel beyond Jamaica, with Miami International Airport experiencing delays due to adverse weather conditions linked to the storm's outer bands, and flights rerouted to avoid the hurricane's path. Jamaica's main airports, including Sangster International and Norman Manley International, have sustained damage, prompting the use of smaller airports for relief flights and a delay in resuming normal operations. The storm has been described as one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, causing catastrophic flash floods and landslides, with continued concerns for neighboring Caribbean nations. Additionally, the ongoing US government shutdown is exacerbating air travel disruptions, with staffing shortages at key airports leading to ground stops and delays.