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 alerted travelers.

Tornado watches covered several states.

Torrential rain and wind shut down runways.

Forceful gusts stalled flights all over.

Airlines advised travelers to stay alert for updates.

A summer storm system worsened conditions.

By afternoon, airports cautiously reopened.

Passengers awaited new information on their journeys.