NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — After going through an eyewall replacement cycle, Hurricane Milton has intensified back to a Category 5 storm, with maximum winds now estimated at 165 mph. Early Tuesday, Milton wobbled slightly to the southeast, but over the past 12 hours, its general motion has been east-northeast at about 9 mph. Due to the earlier wobble, the storm’s forecast track has shifted slightly south. The National Hurricane Center noted in their latest update that even at 36 hours prior to landfall, forecast tracks can have an error margin of nearly 70 miles, making it difficult to determine the exact landfall point, especially if the storm wobbles again. After landfall, Milton is expected to move across Florida and reemerge over the Atlantic by Thursday. Milton is expected to maintain major hurricane status as it crosses the Gulf of Mexico toward the Florida coast. Although stronger wind shear is expected to increase within 24 hours, any weakening will likely not be significant enough to prevent Milton from being an extremely dangerous hurricane when it reaches Florida. Additionally, the early stages of the hurricane's transition to an extratropical system, where it merges with a nearby front, could provide extra energy and potentially slow the weakening process. As Milton nears Florida, its wind field is expected to expand. The forecast shows the hurricane-force and tropical-storm-force winds nearly doubling in size by the time it makes landfall. Stronger-than-usual winds could also affect the northwest side of the storm due to Milton’s interaction with a frontal boundary and its extratropical transition. This will result in widespread damaging winds, life-threatening storm surge, and heavy rainfall far beyond the forecast cone. The NHC says residents in Florida should take this situation very seriously and follow orders from local emergency management officials. Evacuations and other preparations should be completed today. Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes ever recorded for west-central Florida. 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 Hurricane Milton strengthens back to Category 5, wind field to double in size before landfall iPhone update allows users to text for help when there's no cell service. How it works VIDEO: Hurricane hunters take turbulent trip through Milton Food fight: Trump's Mar-a-lago turkey burger vs. Harris' cornbread dressing Plane evacuating people from Hurricane Milton crashes after takeoff