Oklahoma couple trapped in Jamaica before massive hurricane hits

JAMAICA (KFOR) - An Asher, Oklahoma couple missed the last flight out of Jamaica before the airport shut down ahead of Hurricane Melissa, which is set to hit this week.

"We're hunkering down for now," said Cheryl McKinley.

"We do realize that the country is going to go through some real damage, and it's going to be really difficult to clear the roadways and get out of here. We just hope for the best," said her husband, Steve McKinley.

The two were set to have a vacation on the island and were supposed to stay through Friday.

They said that when they found out about the hurricane, they started putting in calls to try and get out of there as fast as possible.

Unfortunately, the last plane they could get left an hour before they made that call.

"We know that's on us; we should've gotten out of here faster. But, we're going to do what we can to stay safe," said Steve.

The eye of Melissa is said to land right on top of them.

"This is so much different than a tornado. Usually, we watch you all and can prepare, and it is in and out. But, hurricanes are much different," said Steve.

They have family and friends back home who they said are praying for them and trying to get them help in the meantime.

The couple also said that the facility where they are staying has boarded-up windows and provided for them as the events have turned for the worse.

"Tomorrow night is when it's supposed to get pretty bad. We just hope everyone comes out of this safe," said Cheryl.