As a meteorologist, I’ve covered countless storms over the years — but this one was different. Hurricane Melissa wasn’t just another name on the weather map. This one hit home.
While I tracked Melissa’s historic path live on air, watching those satellite loops tighten and wind speeds climb, my heart was thousands of miles away — with my family in Jamaica. Every advisory felt heavier than the last. Because behind every radar scan and data point were faces I love.
A Storm That Hit Home
When Hurricane Melissa made landfall October 28 in Jamaica, as a powerful category 5 storm, I found myself reporting on a disaster that was directly impacting my own loved ones. The powerful storm hit the island between Belmont and New Hope on a Tuesday afternoon.
Communication across the island was spotty at best — power lines down, roads washed out, phone service down. My family and I in the States worked tirelessly, calling, texting via Whatsapp, refreshing updates, praying for any sign of connection.
Some relatives eventually checked in and said their homes were damaged, but safe. But my uncle in Westmoreland, near where Melissa’s eyewall came ashore, was still missing.
For over a week, we waited and prayed. Then came the message that brought a smile to our faces — Melissa Moore, Director of Partnerships at the Rockhouse Foundation, found him. She shared a heartfelt video confirming that he was safe.
Seeing his face and hearing his voice after days of silence was the moment I’ll never forget. Fortunately, he recently remodeled he and my Mother’s childhood from by changing its original wooden construction into a concrete structure from top to bottom. So, the home didn’t suffer any damage.
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Still, while my family found relief, many others have not. There are still people missing. Homes flattened. Schools destroyed. Families displaced.
The Aftermath
Hurricane Melissa’s impact across Jamaica has been catastrophic. Entire communities — especially in Westmoreland, St. James, and St. Elizabeth — are reeling from wind damage, flooding, and loss of livelihoods. Farms, schools, and businesses are gone.
As someone who studies storms every day, this experience was a reminder that natural disaster can have a life-threatening impact. But even in the devastation, the Jamaican spirit shines. Neighbors are helping neighbors. Volunteers are showing up with food, tools, and compassion. The road ahead is long, but our resilience runs deep.
How You Can Help
If you’ve ever fallen in love with Jamaica — through its people, beaches, food, or music — now’s the time to give back. Here are trusted organizations making a difference right now:
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🌿 Rockhouse Foundation — Leading the charge with a Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund to rebuild schools, support children with special needs, and assist families most affected.
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❤️ Jamaica Red Cross — Providing emergency shelter, food, and water.
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💧 Food for the Poor Jamaica — Delivering supplies, rebuilding homes, and supporting displaced families.
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🕊 Mustard Seed Communities — Caring for vulnerable children and families, offering long-term housing and support.
Every dollar helps — truly. Whether it’s a meal, a roof, or a book bag, your contribution helps restore hope.
