KINGSTON, Jamaica — Signs of Hurricane Melissa are already visible in sections of Gordon Town, St Andrew, where moderate winds and scattered debris have begun to affect roadways.

When Observer Online visited the Dublin Castle community, tree branches were already blocking parts of the main road as winds picked up. Only a few residents were seen outside, many of whom appeared to be making last-minute preparations before the weather worsened.

Farther up in Redlight, Irish Town, conditions grew more severe, with stronger sweeping through the area. One resident told Observer Online that heavy winds had been blowing since morning and urged Jamaicans to take the approaching hurricane seriously.

Superintendent of Police for the St Andrew North Division, Randy Sweeney, said his team is on alert and prepared to respond to any emergency or difficulty.

“We are also addressing the roadway, and I can tell you this has been a collaborative approach whereby we have been working with various stakeholders,” Sweeney said.

He added that several workers and tractors have been positioned across the division and that authorities are in constant communication to ensure roadways can be cleared as soon as it is safe to do so.

– Carlysia Ramdeen