Woman's worry for family as hurricane closes in

Jodi Jenny said she was experiencing an anxious wait for news from friends and family

A Jamaican woman living in the UK has described the "tough" and anxious wait to hear from family and friends as Hurricane Melissa prepares to make landfall.

Forecasters believe the category five storm could be the strongest ever to hit the Caribbean nation, with winds of 175mph (282km/h). Officials say three people have been killed.

Jodi Jenny, who now lives in Stanwick in Northamptonshire, said she was especially concerned for her "spritely" 98-year-old grandfather.

"All of my family and friends have stayed put at home and just stocked up. It's just nervous wait to hear from them now."

The 43-year-old said she had last heard from her loved ones in St Ann Parish on Monday evening and that it was unclear if communications on the island were still active.

"It's quite frustrating for the guys out there getting a proper report [on what is happening]," she said.

"The Jamaican weather service has been pretty good at putting stuff out.

"I think now everyone has battened down and is preparing for the worst."

Ms Jenny said she had not heard from her grandfather Hopeton Murdoch since Monday evening, who is pictured with her brother Jordan Murdoch, as well as her son

Ms Jenny recalled living in Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 - a storm which claimed the lives of more than 300 people.

"We didn't have electricity for weeks, the roof blew off," she said.

"I just hope there's better infrastructure now than there was back then.

"There's no words really, you can't do anything about it. [Melissa] is coming whether you like it or not. I think my friends and family are prepared, and I'm keeping them in my prayers but you can't help but feel a bit helpless".