The storm was making its way to the Bahamas and Bermuda on Thursday morning as Jamaica confronted the devastation from one of the most potent storms ever recorded anywhere.

The storm has directly hit Jamaica, Cuba and the Bahamas, but also caused damage in other nearby countries, with 30 deaths confirmed.

With thousands displaced and infrastructure crippled, South Florida's response spans fire stations, faith groups, and federal pledges.

Hurricane Melissa left dozens dead and widespread destruction across Cuba, Jamaica and Haiti on Wednesday, and it continued on to pass through the Bahamas as a weakened storm.

Hurricane Melissa is now moving northeast from Cuba after hammering the island with powerful winds and rain. As the storm scrapes Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas with its destructive force, residents in low-lying and flood prone areas have been urged to evacuate ahead of a shelter-in-place order coming tonight.

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