A Bermudian couple on holiday in Jamaica are bracing for Hurricane Ivan's direct hit on the Island today as it grows into a monster Category Five storm.

Last night, weather reports stated that Ivan had 160mph (258km/h) winds and is likely to be the most powerful storm to hit Jamaica in decades.

Diane Simpson and Edward Robinson, who are staying in the town of Ochorios at the Breezes Resort, a two hours drive from Montego Bay.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette last night, Ms Simpson said many tourists had cut their vacations short and rushed to the airport, but others had decided to wait out the storm.

"There's tape on the windows, everything outside the hotel has been packed up and cleared away," said Ms Simpson.

The couple spent the day swimming and enjoying cocktails as Jamaicans boarded up their homes and lined up at gas stations and grocery stores for supplies.

Although the weather was calm in the afternoon, Ms Simpson said clouds were beginning to gather over the mountains near the resort last night. The couple have packed their suitcases and have filled the bath tub with water as recommended by hotel staff.

"We feel comfortable, the staff at the hotel are doing everything they can to make sure we are comfortable," she added.

This morning any guests still at the hotel are due to meet in the lobby where they will wait out Ivan in a main hotel dining room.

Ms Simpson said she was disappointed her vacation may be cut short but not afraid.

"We're trying to fight it out, we're not stressed out or worried, what is going to happen is going to happen," she said.

The couple had planned to take a Caribbean cruise leaving from Puerto Rico tomorrow, but are not sure if it has been cancelled.

So far, Ivan has left scenes of devastation in the small island of Grenada where at least 12 people were killed.

Ivan is expected to hit Jamaica today and reach western Cuba at the weekend.

Some gas stations in Jamaica ran out of fuel. Prime Minister PJ Patterson urged people to prepare for the worst, and pray.

Meanwhile, Grenada is facing a massive clean-up after its pummelling this week.