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The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent update to British nationals in Jamaica as the country braces itself for the effects of Hurricane Melissa. The category five storm - the strongest for the island since record-keeping began 174 years ago - made landfall on Tuesday, expected to bring with it winds of up to 170 miles per hour, waves of up to 4 metres and around 1000 millimetres of rain. On Monday, the reported 5,000 British holidaymakers and residents on the island were warned of "catastrophic flash floods and landslides". The Jamaican government closed both of its international airports - Kingston and Montego Bay - until further notice and people have been advised to go to their nearest hurricane shelter . Most flights from the UK had already been cancelled earlier this week in anticipation of the extreme weather. All Brits on the island were informed that a crisis centre had been set up, and that the Royal Navy ship, HMS Trent, is already in the region on stand-by in case of evacuation. UK travel trade organisation Abta advised people to monitor local and international weather updates. On Tuesday afternoon, the FCDO updated its travel advice for the island and is now inviting all British nationals in Jamaica to register their presence . The UK government is positioning specialist Rapid Deployment Teams in the region and preparing to deliver humanitarian assistance and specialist support to affected areas. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told Sky News: "This is a very serious storm, and many people will be concerned about friends and family in Jamaica and in the region. "We’ve set up the crisis centre here in the Foreign Office to provide 24-hour consular assistance to British nationals, but also to monitor Hurricane Melissa and to make sure we are ready and stand ready to provide UK support to Jamaica." She added: "I’ve spoken to the Jamaican foreign minister to offer our support and solidarity to the Jamaican people as they face the storm, and I would encourage everyone to follow both the Foreign Office’s travel advice and the instructions from the Jamaican government." The hurricane season in Jamaica runs from June to November. The Foreign Office reports that the area is "seeing more uncharacteristic weather" and that the "region is increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts".
