Storms battered 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 hours.

The National Weather Service alerted travelers.

Tornado watches spanned several states.

Intense rain and wind blocked runways.

Powerful gusts stalled flights all over.

Airlines told flyers to stay alert for updates.

A late-summer storm system made things worse.

By afternoon, airports gradually reopened.

Passengers awaited new information on their trip itineraries.