BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Alabamians with family in Jamaica are preparing for the worst as Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm on record for the region, approaches the island nation.
Alvin Binns has been on the phone non-stop since hearing about the hurricane heading for his native Jamaica. The Alabama resident was born in Kingston, Jamaica’s largest city, where the majority of his family still lives.
“The movement of the hurricane is pretty slow. So, therefore, the impact will be longer, stronger, more water. So, they’re expecting extensive damage,” said Binns, who has lived in Alabama for half his life.
Limited evacuation options on the island
Unlike mainland areas, evacuation options are limited for Jamaica’s residents.
“Evacuation is- it’s an island, you can’t really go anywhere. So, evacuation is mostly for the lower plains, individuals who are in the flood plains or close to the coast,” Binns said.
While storm risk is a recurring part of life for the island, Binns said residents never get used to it…