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

More than 2,000 flights were canceled.

Big airports like JFK and LaGuardia were hit hard.

Delays lasted for several hours.

The National Weather Service issued warnings.

Tornado watches spanned a handful of states.

Heavy rain and wind closed runways.

Strong 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 looked for the latest news on their trip itineraries.