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

More than 2,000 flights were dropped.

Big airports like JFK and LaGuardia were took a beating.

Delays lasted for hours.

The National Weather Service warned people.

Tornado watches spanned a handful of states.

Torrential rain and wind closed runways.

Strong gusts kept aircraft on the ground all over.

Airlines informed passengers to watch for changes.

A summer storm system made things worse.

By afternoon, airports gradually reopened.

Passengers awaited new information on their journeys.