Travel Risk Update: Hurricane Melissa

Background
In the early hours of October 27, Hurricane Melissa intensified into a Category 3 storm in the Caribbean basin before making landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane.  On October 29, the hurricane made landfall in Cuba as a Category 2 storm. Forecast models indicate that Hurricane Melissa will continue moving northwest toward the Bahamas with the potential to affect the southeastern United States (U.S.) coastline. There remains a high risk of flooding and landslides in the affected areas, and all overland travel in the path of the hurricane should be undertaken with caution. Commercial aviation and maritime operations continue to experience significant disruption, and the situation remains dynamic.

Standing Advice

Air Travel: Expect flight delays and cancelations across Caribbean hubs and potentially Florida airports. Travelers should confirm itineraries and allow for flexible rebooking.

Land Travel: Ground transportation in impacted areas is limited due to flooding and debris. Anticipate delays and restricted movement in affected regions. Even after a hurricane has passed, there is still a risk of flooding and landslides, which can continue to disrupt overland travel.

Shelter-in-Place: Individuals in the storm’s path should follow local shelter-in-place protocols, follow all official directives, and maintain a 72-hour emergency supply kit (water, food, medications, and backup power).

Communications: Mobile and internet outages may occur. Carry analog backups such as paper maps and local emergency contact numbers.

Diplomatic Missions: Stay in contact with relevant embassies. Some missions have issued advisories or limited services in high-risk zones.

Monitoring: Maintain situational awareness through trusted sources such as the National Hurricane Center and local authorities.

How On Call Can Help:

As during any other severe weather event, it’s important to remain vigilant and consume information/advice from credible sources only. On Call’s travelers and clients are encouraged to consult with On Call’s Global Response Center directly for the latest situation updates and related traveler safety recommendations. If you’re not currently an On Call client, and would like to know more about our crisis response capabilities for severe weather events, please feel free to get in touch with us for more information.

 The information provided to you within this report has been compiled from a multitude of available sources and is based on current news and analysis at the time of writing. The security team at On Call International, LLC has provided this analysis, supporting advice and recommendations in good faith to assist you in mitigating risks that could arise. However, no implied or express warranty against risk, changes in circumstance, or other fluid and unforeseen events can be provided. By reading this report, you will agree that any reliance you place on this information is therefore strictly at your own risk and that you will not hold On Call International, LLC or the authors responsible for any inaccuracies, errors or oversights here-in. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise without the prior permission of On Call International, LLC.

About On Call International:
When traveling, every problem is unique–a medical crisis, a political threat, even a common accident such as a missed flight. But every solution starts with customized care that ensures travelers are safe and protected. That’s why for over 30 years, On Call International has provided fully-customized travel risk management and emergency assistance services protecting millions of travelers, their families, and their organizations. Visit www.oncallinternational.com and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more.