Oklahoma couple braces for Hurricane Melissa as the storm makes landfall

ASHER, Okla. (KFOR) – An Oklahoma couple is stuck in Jamaica and bracing for the impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Category 5 storm projected to make landfall soon.

“They immediately started boarding up all of the restaurants, all of the resort. They've boarded up my parents’ room," said Heather Idell as she described what her parents vacation to Ocho Rios, Jamaica has turned into.

Idell explained that her parents planned to leave the island early, in hopes of beating the storm, but things took a different turn.

"My mom sent us a text on Saturday saying that they had gotten a flight out. So we were very excited," Idell said. "Then later in the afternoon, she texted back and said that American had canceled their flight and they had shut the airport."

The National Hurricane Center is describing the storm as, "catastrophic with life threatening winds and flooding."

Idell's parents, Steve and Cheryl McKinley still had internet access and were able to speak with News 4 on Monday.

"We do feel very safe here. And we're going to be okay. We're just concerned about the country and everything that's going to be the aftermath. And then, of course, our concern is how we get a clear path to the airport and make arrangements to get a flight out," said Steve McKinley.

Idell worries about getting her parents home when the storm passes and has tried to get answers from the U.S. Embassy in Kingston but has run into some issues.

"I did go to the government website, but as we know, everything is shut down. My parents did enroll in the STEP Program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), so the government should know that they're there," said Idell.

Oklahoma Senator Mark Wayne Mullin's Office said they are now in direct contact with Idell.

As the storm runs its course, Idell is worried about losing contact with her family.

"Tomorrow will be the day that we really will know if we're going to be able to talk to them or how bad it actually is," Idell said.

Mullin's office says the U.S. Embassy in Kingston will have limited emergency services from now until the end of the month and they encourage anyone in a situation like the McKinley's to enroll in the STEP.