Local Jamaican family concerned as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As Hurricane Melissa hits the Caribbean, a central Ohio family is concerned about their loved ones who are directly affected by the storm.

The Hayles own Ena's Caribbean Kitchen in Linden. They moved to Columbus in 1982 but still have many loved ones in Jamaica. As they got food ready on Tuesday, coverage of the storm was on in the background.

“That's the number one topic right now. It's been like that for the last couple days," said Marlon Hayles, co-owner of Ena's Caribbean Kitchen. "It’s been pretty tense for us, I know the kids have been tracking it and monitoring what's going on."

The Hayles have been checking on their family members every day since Saturday.

"That’s all we've got to do, hope and pray for them and when the weather is done, we'll find out what help they need and we try to help them the best way we can," said Vinell Hayles, Co-Owner of Ena's Caribbean Kitchen.

She was on the phone with her older sister in Jamaica on Tuesday morning as the storm hit.

"Jamaica will survive. Because that wouldn't be the first, this is the worst one, but this wouldn't be the first," Vinell Hayles said.

As of Tuesday afternoon, The Hayles said some of their loved ones are dealing with property damage. They said the relatives they'd spoken with so far are ok.

"We’re just waiting to see what the outcome is going to be like, we hope it's not going to be too bad and then start planning for whatever type of help they may need afterwards," Marlon Hayles said.