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Local Jamaicans pray for loved ones as Hurricane Matthew approaches

Posted at 8:07 AM, Oct 02, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-02 08:37:13-04

Hurricane Matthew is on the minds of many, but especially for those with family and friends in Jamaica. The island could be hit by a category 4 hurricane early Monday.

It's business as usual at Oxtails in West Palm Beach, but Matthew is on their minds.

"What can we do besides pray," says Janet Truth who has family in Jamaica.

Yahisha Omega also has family there.

"Hope it doesn't damage Jamaica," says Omega. "Jamaica is a close knit family. We're all concerned about each other. We take care of each other."

Hurricane warnings have been issued as the powerful storm barrels towards Jamaica and Haiti.

Stores in Kingston were open Saturday for last minute shoppers as people prepare for Matthew.

In West Palm Beach, Oxtails owner Lenny Kritchman knows many of his employees have loved ones on the island. He's doing his own preparations should the storm hit Jamaica.

"Totally preparing if they're hit. We're going to whatever it takes to get food on a boat out to them," says Kritchman.

It's the best thing to do at this point in time, prepare and pray.

"Hope everybody bares down and hope all is well with them," Kritchman says.