With a little over a month left in the 2012 Hurricane season, the tropics are not ready to call it quits. Over the weekend, a system emerged in the southwestern Caribbean Sea. This morning, that system officially became Tropical Depression 18, and is moving on a southwest track at 5 mph with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph. Although TD18 is moving to the southwest, forecast models indicate a change in course to a north-northeast track passing through Jamaica, Hispaniola, and the Central Bahamas later in the week.

The system is expect to become Tropical Storm Sandy by Tuesday, and possibly a hurricane by Wednesday. As of 11 AM, a tropical storm watch has been issued for Jamaica.

Current and Future Cruise Implications

As of this morning, Disney Cruise Line has not issued any Travel Advisories, as the system is still evolving. Rest assured that the safety of the Guests and crew is DCL’s top priority.

The [Disney_Magic] is schedule to call on Grand Cayman on Tuesday well ahead of any potential problems from the outer wind bands of the weather system. The [Disney_Fantasy] is currently sailing on a 7-Night Eastern Caribbean and based on the current forecast track could run into the system as the Fantasy makes her way to Castaway Cay on Friday. Friday’s weather forecast on Great Abaco is calling for heavy rain and wind with a high of 82. The [Disney_Dream] will encounter a similar forecast this Friday when she is scheduled to call on Nassau.

While it is too early to really know for sure, this system does have the potential to cause some problems this weekend in the Bahamas.

Invest 90L

The other system being watched by the National Hurricane Center looks to stay out in the Atlantic.