RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - As Hurricane Melissa barrels through Jamaica, Carena Ives has been worried about her family back home on the island where she was born and raised.

Ives, owner of Jamaica House and Carena’s Jamaican Grille, said the catastrophic storm has her concerned for her relatives, including her mother and cousins who remain on the island.

“A storm this strong has to be taken seriously and this is why I am worried,” Ives said. “It’s a little frightening. I’ve got to tell you in the last couple of days, I have not slept. I have not slept because I’ve just been so worried.”

During a phone call on Tuesday morning, Ives said her mother is hunkered down in her house without power, though her phone is still working with a full charge.

Ives said she has been emphasizing preparation

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