Good Morning Britain came to an abrupt halt as the programme delivered a devastating update, confirming that three people have died.

 

GMB

Ed Balls and Charlotte Hawkins fronted Good Morning Britain on Tuesday (Image: ITV)

Good Morning Britain was interrupted to deliver a breaking report on the catastrophic hurricane that has struck Jamaica. Now classified as a Category 5 storm, Hurricane Melissa has claimed at least three lives, while more than 200 Brits have been confined to a hotel until at least Wednesday. The hurricane is expected to make landfall on the southern coast of Jamaica on Tuesday morning (October 28) before moving on to Cuba later in the day.

Ed Balls and Charlotte Hawkins hosted Tuesday’s instalment of the programme, which came to an abrupt halt as Liz Summers reported on the devastating news. She said: “It is a slow moving giant. The eye of Hurricane Melissa appears peaceful, but it’s bringing winds of up to 175mph and torrential rain, threatening Jamaica with deadly flooding and landslides.

“Those on the island are preparing as best they can, knowing the impact could be catastrophic.”

Andrew Tracey, a British holidaymaker staying in Negril, revealed they have been told to stack mattresses in front of windows and lock themselves in the bathroom until Wednesday.

Tearing up, Andrew added: “It’s one of the hardest things speaking to family members and trying to remain strong, having no idea yourself what exactly is going to happen.”

The Foreign Office warned: “It is expected to bring exceptional levels of rainfall to the whole of Jamaica. There are estimates for up to 700mm of rain, storm surges around coastal areas bringing waves of up to 4 metres, and winds of up to 135mph. Catastrophic flash floods and landslides are likely.”

Good Morning Britain

Hurricane Melissa has already killed three people (Image: ITV)

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has ordered mandatory evacuations across parts of southern Jamaica, including Port Royal, and has appealed for international assistance, warning of severe damage to infrastructure and agriculture.

Both of Jamaica’s international airports – Norman Manley in Kingston and Sangster in Montego Bay – have closed in preparation for Melissa’s arrival.

Hurricane Melissa is now among the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic basin. By comparison, Hurricane Allen, which struck in 1980, remains the fastest on record, with wind speeds reaching 190 mph.

That storm claimed 281 lives and caused nearly $1.6 billion (1980 USD) in damage across regions including Haiti, Jamaica, northern Mexico, and southern Texas.

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