This was the fourth strongest typhoon in recorded history.
This was the fourth most powerful typhoon on record.
この場合、次のような言い方ができます。
ーThis was the fourth strongest typhoon in recorded history.
「観測史上4番目に強い台風だった」
the fourth strongest ... で「4番目に強い…」
in recorded history で「観測史上」
ーThis was the fourth most powerful typhoon on record.
「観測史上4番目に強い台風だった」
the fourth most powerful ... で「4番目に強い…」
on record でも「観測史上」と言えます。
ご参考まで!