THERE is anxiety and worry on the ground as Jamaicans continue to brace and prepare for the onslaught of Hurricane Melissa, which is expected to make landfall on October 28 as a category three hurricane. St Thomas and Portland, two parishes located on the eastern side of the island, had already begun to feel the effects on October 26, including flooding, strong winds and storm surge.

Newsday spoke to four residents about what they and those around them were doing to prepare for the hurricane, which has been sitting off the coast of Jamaica for several days.

As of 5 pm on October 26, Melissa remained a dangerous category four hurricane with winds at 145 miles per hour, situated 115 miles south-south-west of the capital Kingston. It is also forecast to affect Cuba and Haiti.