(CNN) — Hurricane Melissa brought devastation and death to the Caribbean as it tore through the region as one of the most powerful Atlantic storms in more than 150 years.

The storm’s forceful winds unleashed widespread destruction, killing at least 30 people – though its true toll is yet to become clear, with authorities still assessing the number of casualties.

The storm was the strongest hurricane on record to hit Jamaica, where it knocked power out for most of the country.

Path of destruction

In the Caribbean, hotter-than-average waters paired with minimally disruptive winds higher in the atmosphere to create the perfect fuel and prime conditions for Melissa to strengthen.

Melissa rapidly intensified , jumping from a 70 mph tropical storm on Saturday morning to a 140 mph Categor

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