Hurricane Milton Updates: Monster Storm Restrengthens Into Category 5

Hurricane Milton, which restrengthened to a Category 5 storm on Tuesday afternoon, is threatening Florida's west coast. It is expected to make landfall late Wednesday night as a Category 3 hurricane.

Though it will likely weaken before making landfall, it will grow in size, causing its destructive effects to be felt across a larger area.

Hurricane Milton

"Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida," the National Hurricane Center said Tuesday night.

"This is a life-threatening situation. Promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials."

With the 11 p.m. advisory, Milton had maximum sustained winds of 160 mph and was approximately 405 miles from Tampa. It was heading northeast at 12 mph.

"The official forecast shows the hurricane and tropical storm-force winds roughly doubling in size by the time it makes landfall," the National Hurricane Center stated.

Related: Residents Flee Tampa Bay Area as Milton Takes Aim at Florida