KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hurricane Melissa has forced the temporary decommissioning of some automated banking machines (ABMs) across Jamaica and shuttered all bank branches on Monday, as the storm intensified its impact on the nation.

The Jamaica Bankers Association (JBA), which represents the country’s lenders, said a number of ABMs in specific locations had been taken offline due to safety concerns.

It confirmed that all physical branches of its member banks and building societies would remain closed until conditions were deemed safe.

With access to physical cash and in-person services severely limited, the public was advised to use online and mobile banking channels where possible. The JBA also warned that customer call centres faced likely disruptions, leading to extended response times.

The association said its members were continuously monitoring the situation and would restore full services as soon as it was safe to do so.

It urged residents to follow official guidance from Jamaica’s disaster and meteorological offices.