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

More than 2,000 flights were canceled.

Big airports like JFK and LaGuardia were suffered heavily.

Delays lasted for several hours.

The National Weather Service warned people.

Tornado watches spanned a handful of states.

Heavy rain and wind shut down runways.

Powerful gusts grounded planes all over.

Airlines informed passengers to watch for changes.

A late-summer storm system exacerbated the situation.

By afternoon, airports cautiously reopened.

Passengers waited for updates on their trip itineraries.