Turks and Caicos and the southern Bahamas are on high alert as what is set to be the first major hurricane of the season heads their way.

The Category 2 Hurricane Fiona is expected to become a Category 3 storm by this afternoon, with winds exceeding 178km/hr.

The increasingly powerful hurricane hit Puerto Rico on Sunday, before hitting the Dominican Republic last night.

At least three people have died so far.

The US National Hurricane Center says Fiona could become the first major hurricane of the 2022 season if it becomes a Category 3 storm.

Fiona is on track to pass close to the eastern end of the Turks and Caicos Islands this evening, before heading for the southern Bahamas, where it could reach Category 4 strength.