British holidaymakers face Hurricane Sandy in Jamaica
Hurricane Sandy has already hit Kingston: PA
British holidaymakers who jetted off to Jamaica to escape the British gloom are now feeling the force of Hurricane Sandy.
Tourists hoping to leave the island were having to be rebooked with other airlines by BA and Virgin as international airports closed and flights were cancelled this week.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Sandy caused widespread power outages, flooded streets, damaged homes and at least one death.
US National Hurricane Center has labelled Sandy as a category two hurricane, which see storms with winds between 96 and 110mph.
As well as the airports, schools and businesses closed and emergency authorities moved residents in low-lying, flood-prone areas into shelters as rain and winds pounded the Caribbean island.
Several roads were flooded, and mudslides were reported near villages on the outskirts of Kingston.
According to the Metro, a Virgin Holidays spokeswoman said the company is "in contact with our resort teams to ensure that all of our customers in those areas are aware of the situation and any precautionary measures in place, and the situation is being continually monitored".
She added: "Our priority remains the safety of customers, and we will continue to update and assist them as further information becomes available."
Cruise operators were also taking no chances, with Royal Caribbean deciding against docking its Allure Of The Seas liner on the island and continuing at sea.
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