Thunderstorm Impacts Flights Across East Coast

Flights were suspended on Tuesday as a severe thunderstorm was predicted to affect the East Coast, impacting millions of holiday travelers.

Ground stops and flight delays were reported at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport, along with other airports in Boston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Orlando, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The National Weather Service had anticipated scattered storms, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding, forecasting up to three inches of rain along the coastline.

On Monday, Newark Liberty Airport faced significant disruptions due to a combination of staffing shortages and storm-related delays, which extended up to four hours. These conditions could persist until at least 2 a.m.

Philadelphia International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport also began to see delays throughout the week.

In total, five airports experienced around 600 cancellations and approximately 1,900 delays, according to data from FlightAware. LaGuardia Airport alone saw about 180 cancellations and 400 delays.

As the storm approaches, many travelers are expected to be on the move, either flying or driving, heading into the July 4th holiday weekend.

A flood watch has been issued for New York City, Washington, D.C., and other areas anticipating heavy rainfall.