National Weather Service A strengthening low pressure system is anticipated to move northeastward this week dragging a cold front towards the Sunshine State to ring in the New Year. On Wednesday a low pressure system lifting from Mexico into the Gulf Coast of Texas was gradually intensifying as it continue to track northeastward. A cold front dragging behind and stretching through the Gulf of Mexico is expected to cross through the Deep South Thursday morning and approach the western Florida Panhandle by Thursday night, just in time to ring in the New Year. The Storm Prediction Center on Wednesday issued a slight risk (risk level 2 out of 5) for portions of the far western Panhandle for Thursday and overnight into Friday. This risk area encompasses the cities of Pensacola and Destin. Strong storms are possible during the overnight Thursday, some of which may deliver heavy rainfall, potentially damaging wind gusts, and the chance for isolated tornadoes.