Travel chaos as multiple airports ground all flights for second day
Flights at several major US airports have been grounded in preparation for severe thunderstorms set to batter the East Coast. Newark Liberty Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, La Guardia and Washington Dulles International Airport have grounded flights until 5pm ET.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport put a ground stop until 4:30pm, and Baltimore/Washington International Airport will be at a standstill until 5:15pm.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for these areas until 9pm E T.
The agency forecasts up to 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail in some parts of the East Coast.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noted that there is up to a 60 percent chance the ground stops could be extended at certain airports.
The ground stops have also sparked flight delays, with travelers at Newark Liberty Airport facing more than three-hour wait times. The announcement comes about 24 hours after similar alerts were issued at the same airports, which saw thousands of flights canceled.
The NWS expects up to three inches of rain along the East Coast, with localized amounts up to four inches. The wind will be strong enough to down trees, snap branches and damage power lines and buildings, the agency warned.
