Hurricane Melissa (Atlantic / Caribbean)

It is forecast to make landfall in Jamaica between mid-morning and early afternoon (ET) Tuesday, with catastrophic winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall. -ABC News

The storm surge could reach up to ~4 meters (≈13 feet) in some coastal areas of Jamaica, and rainfall totals may exceed 70 cm (~28 inches) in vulnerable zones. –Reuters

The slow forward motion of the storm exacerbates the risk of prolonged rainfall, flooding, and landslides. –The Guardian

Scientists link the rapid intensification and extreme strength of Melissa to unusually warm Atlantic Ocean waters (2-3 °C above normal in some areas) and deep-ocean heat content. -AP News

Millions may be affected (≈1.5 million in Jamaica alone). Evacuations are underway, shelters are activated, and authorities are raising alarm over infrastructure vulnerability. -The Guardian

Cyclone Montha (Bay of Bengal / India)

Cyclone Montha is gathering strength over the Bay of Bengal and is predicted to make landfall near Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh, India) late Tuesday. Wind speeds are expected at 90-110 kph (~55-70 mph). -AP News

Authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have closed schools/colleges, evacuated about 70,000 people, activated nearly 1,900 relief camps, and hundreds of shelters. -AP News

Andhra Pradesh issued a red alert for 19 districts. The neighbouring states (Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, and Karnataka) are also warned of heavy rainfall. -AP News

Observers note that this is another example of stronger, more frequent storms in the region, linked to warmer seas and the impacts of climate change. -AP News