Delta Air Lines and other major carriers cancelled thousands of flights out of Atlanta including all flights to and from Bermuda today and tomorrow.

Forecasters warned of a “catastrophic second blow” due to ice conditions in Georgia and the surrounding region.

The US National Weather Service called the ice storm “an event of historical proportions” likely to bring thick layers of ice coupled with heavy winds.

Thousands of residents were reporting power outages across the state of Georgia already. And more than 2,200 flights at major airports in the region have been cancelled already.

Nearly all of Delta’s flights at Atlanta Hartsfield have been cancelled due to heavy snow and ice.

Forecasters have already begun to compare this ice storm to one in Atlanta in 2000 that left more than 500,000 homes and businesses without power. The damage estimates from that storm exceeded $35 million.

Passengers booked on Delta flights 656 and 657 were urged to call the airline’s toll free number 1-800-221-1212 or visit their website at www.delta.com.