Between low shear, high ocean heat content (OHC) and very warm SSTs in a loop current in the Gulf of Mexico, Laura is likely to significantly intensify in the Gulf.

NHC is forecasting RI, which also ties the largest 24-hour intensity change forecast by NHC valid at hour 72.

While it remains difficult to tell where Laura's LLC is, the system apparently continues to deviate south of the forecast track. If it remains S of Cuba & an inner core can develop, it may begin to quickly deepen even before reaching the Gulf, increasing % of a major hurricane.

Climatology of course should not be substituted in place of dynamical reasoning, but here offers further context to NHC's RI forecast. Assuming Laura isn't significantly disrupted by terrain, it'll traverse the loop current where climatologically ~40% of TCs undergo RI.

Using area-averaged soundings to try and obtain environmental shear, when Laura traverses the loop current weak deep-layer shear is expected, alongside being embedded in a fairly moist environment.

I'm no alarmist, but if it can survive Cuba w/ minimal disruption... yikes.