Storms lashed the U.S. East Coast on Wednesday.

More than 2,000 flights got scrapped.

Major airports like JFK and LaGuardia were took a beating.

Delays lasted for hours.

The National Weather Service issued warnings.

Tornado watches covered several states.

Intense rain and wind closed runways.

Powerful gusts stalled flights all over.

Airlines told flyers to stay alert for updates.

A mid-summer storm system worsened conditions.

By afternoon, airports gradually reopened.

Passengers awaited new information on their travel plans.