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

More than 2,000 flights got scrapped.

Big airports like JFK and LaGuardia were hit hard.

Delays lasted for hours.

The National Weather Service alerted travelers.

Tornado watches spanned a handful of states.

Torrential rain and wind shut down runways.

Forceful gusts stalled flights all over.

Airlines advised travelers to monitor any adjustments.

A mid-summer storm system made things worse.

By afternoon, airports cautiously reopened.

Passengers awaited new information on their journeys.