With Jamaica now feeling the worsening effects of category 5 hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) is reporting a 35% increase in outages across several parishes.

At this morning’s press briefing Energy Minister Daryl Vaz noted that several generation units, critical high voltage substations, transmission and distribution lines across the island have been forced out of service by hurricane force winds and lightning.

Mr. Vaz outlined St. Elizabeth as among the parishes most affected.

Mr. Vaz highlighted that among the least affected are St. Thomas and St. Andrew.

Meantime he noted that the JPS is urging persons to take precautions and keep safe.