Canadians warned as Hurricane Melissa triggers travel advisories

Hurricane Melissa has prompted the Government of Canada to issue travel warnings for several popular destinations.

With Hurricane Melissa forecast to affect several Caribbean countries, the government is urging Canadians to exercise caution when travelling to the area or even to avoid travel altogether.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hurricane Melissa is a Category 5 storm , the most extreme level based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale . Category 5 hurricanes are life-threatening and could cause catastrophic damage to homes and infrastructure, making some areas uninhabitable for weeks or months.

“The decision to travel is your choice, and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad,” warns the Government of Canada’s travel