Louisville couple trapped in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa slams island

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Hurricane Melissa has tied the record as the strongest storm to ever make landfall in the Caribbean, devastating Jamaica and leaving travelers stranded — including a Louisville couple caught in the middle of the Category 5 hurricane.

Officials say Melissa is the most powerful hurricane to ever hit Jamaica, unleashing catastrophic wind and rain across the island.

The Louisville couple, staying at a resort in Montego Bay, spoke to WDRB as they sheltered in place.

“This is so unreal, like we are living through a hurricane that is supposed to make this country unrecognizable,” Johni Ison said.

What began as a birthday getaway quickly turned terrifying. From their balcony, the couple captured video of blinding wind and rain, with debris flying 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.

The couple said they have been told to stay inside since Monday night as the storm rages on. Most of the hotel has been boarded up, power and Wi-Fi continue to flicker, and meals are being delivered in paper bags.

Despite the chaos, the couple says hotel workers are staying calm and caring for guests even as their own homes are at risk.

“They are walking around smiling, making sure we are fed, when in reality they have to think about things they’ve been having their whole lives gone forever,” Ison said.

The pair was supposed to fly home to Louisville on Wednesday, but it’s unclear when flights will resume.

“It is honestly scary,” Ison said.

As they wait out the storm, Ison says her thoughts are with the people of Jamaica who may lose everything.

“We get to come home. They are about to lose everything,” Ison said.

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