Melissa causes mayhem

JAMAICA REELS: TIES RECORD FOR MOST INTENSE STORM TO MAKE LANDFALL >>> Sustained winds peaking at nearly 300km/h rip off roofs.

- St Ann

ride through flooded areas before hurricane Melissa hits Santiago de Cuba on Tuesday after pummeling Jamaica. PATCH JOB. A resident holds a piece of a roof before hurricane Melissa hits the city of Santiago de Cuba. EMERGENCY. Residents wait for food as hurricane Melissa barrels towards Cuba.

(AFP)

In the north coast parish of St Ann, almost all residents are without power - and many of them woke up without a roof over their heads after hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica, downing trees, utility poles and anything in its path.

Fisherman George “Larry” Brown of the community of Priory said the morning was quiet on the day of the storm. “Just a little rain,” the 68 year old recalled.

But by 5pm on Tuesday, the rain and wind gusts grew heavy and soon, he said, his roof peeled away. “I just heard a sound, and it just started to tear off,” Brown recalled.