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

More than 2,000 flights got scrapped.

Big airports like JFK and LaGuardia were suffered heavily.

Delays lasted for hours.

The National Weather Service issued warnings.

Tornado watches included several states.

Intense rain and wind blocked runways.

Forceful gusts stalled flights all over.

Airlines told flyers 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.