Tropical Storm Sandy formed late yesterday afternoon, the eighteenth tropical storm of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Tropical Depression 19 is forecast to later today become Tropical Storm Tony as the Season remains active heading toward its historical conclusion on November 30.

Tropical Storm Sandy in the Caribbean is moving slowly northward now, but is expected to pick up speed later today. The center of Sandy should move near or over Jamaica on Wednesday as a hurricane and approach eastern Cuba by Wednesday night. Environmental conditions consisting of low shear, warm waters and a moist atmosphere favor strengthening during the next couple of days. This image was taken by GOES East at 1345Z on October 23, 2012.