BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Jamaicans living in central Alabama are watching closely as Hurricane Melissa strikes their homeland Tuesday.

Alabama Jamaicans contacted family members on the island, but communication has been limited as the storm continues to bring damaging winds and heavy rain.

“Just watching this devastation is almost like seeing a part of your soul being chipped away because we understand how much that is going to impact the island,” said Stephanie Hunter, a district judge in the 10th Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama who has lived in the U.S. for 30 years.

Hunter's family is still in Jamaica. Hunter said she has spoken with her relatives but fears what comes next.

“They have not had to evacuate. They are not in any of the low-lying areas,” Hunter said. “Hopefully, the

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