Simplify the following text for a Grade 9 native English-speaking person.
Original: The hurricane 's intense winds , waves , rains and storm surge were responsible for at least 45 deaths across ten countries and caused estimated damages of US$ 1.5 billion .
Simplified: The hurricane 's strong winds , waves , rains and storm surge caused over 45 deaths across ten countries and caused estimated damages of US$ 1.5 billion .