Melissa tore through the Caribbean as one of the most powerful storms in history, slamming Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane earlier this week.

Hurricane Melissa brought devastation and death to the Caribbean as it tore through the region as one of the most powerful storms on earth in more than 150 years.

Jamaica’s death toll from Hurricane Melissa has risen to at least 28 people, the country’s government said Saturday, and some of the areas hit hardest by the Category 5 storm have yet to be reached as crews work to clear roads and debris.

South Florida was spared a direct blow from Hurricane Melissa, but the massive storm still hit home for the millions of residents there who have deep roots in the Caribbean.

Hurricane Melissa is expected to weaken into an extratropical cyclone on Friday, Oct. 31, the National Hurricane Center said.

From nearly 2,000 miles away, some Milwaukeeans feel the impact of Hurricane Melissa — and are working to offer support to Caribbean communities.

The storm left widespread destruction and at least dozens of deaths in its path. In Chicago, people are looking for ways to help.