NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The National Hurricane Center is now predicting a major hurricane will make landfall in Florida on Thursday. Disturbance Becoming More Organized Thunderstorms associated with the developing disturbance in the Caribbean are gradually becoming more organized this afternoon, though most of the storm activity remains on the eastern side of the system. Data from Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate the system currently lacks a well-defined center, with weaker winds observed on the west side of the circulation. Storm to Enter Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday The NHC predicts the center of the disturbance will pass between the Yucatan Peninsula and the western tip of Cuba late Tuesday night, then enter the southern Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday. From there, it will likely accelerate northward, steered by a deep trough over the central U.S. and a ridge of high pressure over the western Atlantic, heading toward the northeastern Gulf Coast and Florida Panhandle by Thursday. Wind shear, which has been limiting the system's development, is expected to decrease in the next 24 to 48 hours. This change, combined with deep warm waters and a very moist environment, should allow the system to become better organized. Rapid Intensification Expected Once it forms an inner core, rapid intensification is likely. The NHC forecasts the system to strengthen into a hurricane by Wednesday and reach major hurricane status by Thursday as it moves over the eastern Gulf. Some models predict even stronger intensification than what is currently forecast, with the potential to reach Category 4 or 5 before landfall. Potential Storm Impacts As the system crosses the Gulf, it is expected to grow in size, with impacts from storm surge, wind, and rainfall extending far from the center, particularly to the east. The system's fast movement toward the coast could also lead to gusty winds penetrating further inland across parts of the southeastern U.S. after landfall. The system is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane before approaching the northeastern Gulf Coast on Thursday. While the exact location and intensity of impacts remain uncertain, the risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging hurricane-force winds along the Florida Panhandle and the state's west coast is increasing. Storm Surge and Hurricane Watches are likely to be issued tonight or Tuesday morning. Residents in these areas should finalize their hurricane preparedness plans. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Study: Louisianians less financially stressed than Texans, Arkansans Have you seen him? St. Landry Parish officials seek help locating escaped inmate Reggie Bush sues USC, Pac-12 and NCAA to seek NIL compensation from football career 2 decades ago Rare 'liger' rescued from abandoned home near US border U.S. college student found dead after hike on South Africa's Table Mountain