CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane Melissa is strengthening Monday, and for some people in the Carolinas, the severe weather threat is personal. Many North Carolina residents are watching the storm closely as their loved ones prepare for impact back home in Jamaica.

WCNC Charlotte’s Autumn Bracey spoke with a Charlotte restaurant owner and a woman now living in Jamaica, both connected by their Carolina roots and concern for what’s ahead.

Gavin Lawrence, who owns Lawrence Caribbean in west Charlotte, has family still on the island. He said seeing the forecasts for Hurricane Melissa brings back tough memories.

“I was born in Jamaica, grew up there, migrated to the U.S. when I was 14,” Lawrence recalled. “This one’s going to be a little different. We understand it’s probably going to be worse tha

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