NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Hurricane Milton is still a powerful Category 5 storm, but it has weakened slightly with max winds at 160 mph.  Milton is beginning to shift toward the northeast, and it is expected to gain some forward speed as it approaches Florida. The exact point of landfall remains uncertain. Some models have shifted toward Sarasota, while others have shifted north toward Tampa. The center of the storm at landfall could be anywhere within the "cone of uncertainty" which stretches from just north of Tampa down to Fort Myers. If the storm “wobbles” near landfall, it could quickly change which areas see the brunt of the storm. Although some weakening is likely due to increased wind shear on Wednesday, Milton is still expected to make landfall as an extremely dangerous hurricane, possibly as a Category 4. As Milton approaches, its wind field is expected to expand significantly, especially on the storm’s northwest side, where it will interact with a frontal boundary. This interaction could cause a broad area of damaging winds, life-threatening storm surge, and heavy rain to extend well beyond the forecast cone. The National Hurricane Center says Milton could be one of the most destructive hurricanes ever to hit west-central Florida. A massive storm surge, with inundation levels of 10 feet or higher, is expected along portions of Florida’s west-central coast. The NHC says residents in the Storm Surge Warning area should evacuate immediately if ordered by local authorities. Waiting until Wednesday to evacuate may not be safe. Devastating hurricane-force winds are expected along parts of Florida's west coast, where a Hurricane Warning is in effect. Milton is forecast to maintain hurricane strength as it crosses the Florida Peninsula, bringing life-threatening winds far inland. Preparations to safeguard life and property, including readiness for prolonged power outages, should be completed as soon as possible. Heavy rainfall is expected across the Florida Peninsula through Thursday, raising the risk of catastrophic flash flooding, urban flooding, and river flooding. Areas where coastal and inland flooding combine could face even greater threats. 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 Dry weather, mild temperatures expected for northern Gulf Coast next several days Hurricane Milton now forecast to strike Florida as a Category 4 storm with 130 mph winds Teen daughter of Flaming Lips member found safe: police Mama bear defeats rival that killed her cub to win Fat Bear Week 2024 Florida has nearly all ballots counted on Election Day, while California can take weeks. This is why