KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness warned residents to stay away from Sandy Gully in St Andrew as he toured his constituency just hours before Jamaica is anticipated to feel the full impact of Hurricane Melissa.

Holness, the Member of Parliament for St Andrew West Central, was speaking to residents in the Waterhouse area, one of several communities located near the Sandy Gully. He was accompanied by Abka Fitz-Henley, chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party’s communication taskforce.

Holness urged residents to take the threat seriously and avoid venturing near the gully during the storm.

“Stay away from the gully,” he warned, pointing to a section of the community to demonstrate the potential danger. “As you can see what could happen.”

Sandy Gully, one of the island’s largest drainage systems, runs approximately six miles from the foothills of eastern St Andrew, passing through several densely populated communities including Seaview Gardens, Waterhouse, and Riverton City before emptying into Kingston Harbour via Hunt’s Bay.

The prime minister’s visit comes as emergency services continue preparations across the island, with shelters being readied and residents urged to secure their homes.

Authorities have warned that heavy rains, flash flooding and strong winds are expected as Hurricane Melissa nears landfall.