Turks and Caicos braces for Hurricane Melissa: watches posted, school closures, and midweek impact window

The Turks and Caicos Islands are preparing for deteriorating weather as Hurricane Melissa—now a powerful, slow-moving major hurricane—tracks north from Jamaica toward the southeast Bahamas. A hurricane watch is in effect for the territory, with officials warning of heavy rain, dangerous surf, and periods of strong, possibly hurricane-force winds beginning as early as late Tuesday night into Wednesday.

Hurricane Melissa track and timing for Turks and Caicos

Forecast guidance shows Melissa bending north, then northeast after interacting with Jamaica and eastern Cuba. The core is projected to pass near or over the southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos midweek. Because the storm is moving only a few miles per hour, small wobbles in the track can shift where the strongest winds and highest surge occur.

Expected timeline (subject to change):

• Tue night (Oct 28): Outer bands reach the territory; seas build quickly; squally showers begin.

• Wed (Oct 29): Highest risk window for Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and the Caicos chain as the center passes nearby; periods of damaging wind, power interruptions, and coastal inundation possible.

• Thu (Oct 30): Bands gradually lift northeast; flooding may linger as waterways drain and surf remains hazardous.

What Turks and Caicos residents and visitors should prepare for

• Wind: Prolonged gale conditions with gusts that may reach hurricane force in squalls, especially if the core passes close to or over the islands.

• Rainfall: Several inches of heavy rain in a short time, with local totals higher under training bands. Urban and low-lying areas may experience flash flooding.

• Coastal impacts: Dangerous surf, rip currents, and pockets of storm surge along wind-exposed shores, inlets, and low-lying coastal roads. Beach erosion is likely.

• Power and utilities: Outages are possible; water service interruptions and boil-water advisories can occur after flooding.

Closures, shelters, and local readiness

Authorities have activated emergency plans, including the early closure of schools so that designated campuses can be secured and prepared as shelters. Residents in flood-prone zones or older coastal structures should review shelter locations and move early if advised. Government briefings emphasize readiness now—before winds and seas make movement hazardous.

Travel and flights: what to expect

Airlines serving the region have begun waiving change fees for itineraries in the Caribbean corridor affected by Melissa. Travelers with flights through Jamaica, eastern Cuba, and the southeast Bahamas—including Turks and Caicos—should monitor their reservations and switch to earlier or later dates when possible. As conditions tighten, expect ground stops, diversions, and rolling cancellations. If you’re already on island, finalize departure plans today or be prepared to shelter in place until operations safely resume.

Smart tips for travelers:

• Move up departing flights if seats are available; avoid tight connections.

• If staying, extend lodging proactively and confirm generator and water availability.

• Keep passports and essentials in a waterproof pouch; ensure mobile devices and power banks are fully charged.

Parish-by-island guidance across TCI

• Providenciales (Provo) and the Caicos Cays: Secure boats and loose outdoor items; relocate vehicles from flood-prone lots; avoid north- and east-facing coastal roads once squalls intensify.

• Grand Turk and Salt Cay: Higher exposure to onshore flow in some track scenarios; identify safe interior rooms away from windows and confirm nearest shelter options.

• North, Middle, and South Caicos: Prepare for bridge and causeway restrictions; stock essentials in case access is limited during peak bands.

Preparedness checklist for the next 12–24 hours

• Charge phones, radios, and battery packs; enable low-power mode.

• Fill clean containers and bathtubs for sanitation; have at least three days of drinking water and shelf-stable food.

• Move important documents, medications, and cash into a grab bag.

• Park on higher ground; never drive through floodwater.

• Indoors, choose a small, windowless room on a non-flood-prone level; keep sturdy shoes and helmets or hard hats accessible.

After the storm passes

Even as skies brighten, hazards persist. Downed lines may be energized; floodwater can hide washed-out roadbeds; and surf stays dangerous well after winds ease. Document damage with photos once it is safe, keep receipts for emergency purchases, and follow official guidance on boil-water advisories and debris disposal.

Turks and Caicos

Hurricane Melissa’s slow motion and close pass mean extended periods of rough weather midweek, with the potential for damaging wind, flooding rain, and coastal surge. Treat watches seriously, complete preparations today, and be ready to shelter in place during the peak bands. Small track shifts matter—focus on impacts, not just the line on the map.