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Influencer’s carefree videos spark anger as storm warnings grow
Hannah Grubbs, a U.S. TikTok personality with a modest following, flew into Jamaica just as government officials urged tourists to depart or shelter in place. From her resort in Negril, she posted a string of upbeat clips that critics say trivialized the storm. “Just two girls headed to Jamaica in a Category 5 hurricane,” Grubbs wrote on TikTok while twirling through Sangster International Airport. In another video, she panned her balcony view before complaining, “Hurricane Melissa out here messing with my vacation,” a caption that quickly drew thousands of disapproving comments. Security staff and resort employees appear in the background of several clips hurriedly boarding up windows—a stark contrast to Grubbs’ dance routines and cocktail selfies. Within hours, her posts were shared across platforms, with users calling them “tone-deaf” and urging would-be tourists to reconsider travel until Jamaica recovers.How serious is Category 5 Hurricane Melissa?
Meteorologists compare Melissa’s power to 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. According to CNN, sustained winds have climbed from 175 mph to 180 mph, with peak gusts estimated at 220 mph. Those figures place Melissa among the strongest Atlantic storms ever recorded and the most intense Jamaica has faced. Sen. Abka Fitz-Henley, Jamaica’s minister of state in the Office of the Prime Minister, summed up early reports on live television: “The preliminary accounts are devastating,” Fitz-Henley told CNN, adding moments later, “It’s utter devastation in sections of Saint Elizabeth.” Damaged rooftops, battered hospitals and widespread power cuts were reported even before the eyewall reached the west coast.Historical context
• Hurricane Katrina (2005): maximum sustained winds of 175 mph. • Hurricane Melissa (2024): sustained 180 mph, gusts 220 mph. • Jamaica’s last direct major hit: Hurricane Gilbert (1988), a Category 3 storm.Current guidance for travelers in Jamaica
The Jamaica Tourist Board has not issued a blanket island-wide evacuation, but local authorities have urged all visitors to remain indoors, stock nonperishable food and expect cell-service interruptions. Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston remains closed, while Sangster International in Montego Bay suspended commercial flights at 1400 local time. [Check airlines for re-routing options; closure times may change.] Cruise lines have already altered itineraries. Carnival Cruise Line diverted two ships bound for Ocho Rios to Cozumel, Mexico. Royal Caribbean International is monitoring conditions before deciding on calls scheduled for later this week. Independent travelers with flexible tickets can generally rebook without fees under most carriers’ hurricane waivers.Resort protocols
All-inclusive properties typically shift into “hurricane mode” 24–48 hours ahead of landfall:- Outdoor furniture tied down or stored.
- Beach and pool areas closed; storm shutters secured.
- On-site generators fueled and tested.
- Emergency muster points designated in interior hallways or ground-floor ballrooms.
What travel insurance covers—and what it doesn’t
Standard trip-cancellation plans often protect only if coverage was purchased before a storm was publicly named. Travelers who booked policies before Hurricane Melissa formed can generally claim reimbursement for unused nights or flights canceled by the airline. Those who waited until advisories were issued may find “known event” exclusions apply. Medical evacuation benefits remain valid in most scenarios. However, flights cannot operate when winds exceed about 45 mph, so airlift options may be grounded precisely when needed most. Check policy language regarding “prudent avoidance”; ignoring official advisories (for instance, arriving during a posted hurricane warning) could jeopardize claims.Social backlash: an ethics lesson for vacationers
Grubbs’ situation illuminates a broader issue: When disasters strike, destinations rely on tourism dollars but also struggle to keep guests safe. Travelers who broadcast carefree behavior while locals brace for destruction risk appearing oblivious to real suffering. The influencer’s attempt at gallows humor was met with forceful reminders online:- “People are legitimately about to die,” one commenter wrote.
- Another added that resort staff “will be stuck picking up the pieces” long after tourists fly home.
Tips for Travelers: Hurricane-season readiness
1. Check the National Hurricane Center’s five-day outlook before booking Caribbean trips between June 1 and Nov. 30. 2. Buy cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) coverage within 14 days of your first payment; CFAR is one of the few policies that circumvents “named-storm” exclusions. 3. Pack a portable battery bank and water-resistant documents pouch. 4. Sign up for the U.S. State Department’s STEP program so embassies can send safety alerts. 5. Monitor local radio stations—battery-powered if possible—as internet access is often the first casualty when lines go down.Looking ahead: travel rebound timelines
The Jamaican government has pledged rapid post-storm assessments once winds drop below 40 mph. Airports will reopen only after runways are cleared of debris and power is restored to radar systems—typically 24–72 hours for moderate damage, longer for Category 5 impacts. Coastal highways from Negril to Montego Bay are vulnerable to flooding, which may delay ground transfers even after flights resume. Past Caribbean recoveries suggest that all-inclusive resorts with onsite generators and desalination plants can reopen guest rooms within a week if structural damage is limited. Independent guesthouses and small restaurants, particularly in Saint Elizabeth Parish, will likely need more time. Travelers with flexible schedules may find deep discounts during the shoulder months following reconstruction, but always verify operational status directly with the property.FAQ
Is my November honeymoon in Jamaica at risk?Peak hurricane activity wanes after mid-October. While another major storm is statistically less likely, purchase insurance now and keep tabs on forecasts. Will tourist dollars help or hinder recovery?
Once essential services are restored, responsible tourism—staying in locally owned accommodations, booking certified guides—can funnel money into hard-hit communities. Voluntourism should be arranged through vetted NGOs, not improvised. Should I cancel an upcoming cruise that includes Ocho Rios?
Cruise lines will reroute or skip ports if infrastructure is compromised. You are usually entitled to a prorated credit, but check your contract for specifics.
The takeaway for travelers
Hurricane Melissa is a sobering reminder that the Caribbean’s beauty comes with seasonal risks. Real-time social media can spread either helpful information or, in the case of Grubbs’ lighthearted posts, a perception of indifference to local hardship. If you choose to travel during hurricane season, do so informed, insured and mindful of the communities that host you. — as Fitz-Henley said at CNN studios.Destination
