Severe thunderstorms are expected to cause significant travel disruptions in the Northeast as millions of Americans prepare for the Fourth of July holiday. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), up to three inches of rain could fall along the East Coast, leading to scattered storms, excessive rainfall, and potential flooding.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued ground stops and delays at major airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and airports in Boston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Orlando. Newark Liberty Airport, already struggling with staffing shortages, faced delays of up to four hours due to thunderstorms, with disruptions expected to continue until 2 a.m.
Collectively, five airports reported approximately 600 cancellations and 1,900 delays, according to FlightAware data. LaGuardia Airport alone had about 180 flights canceled and 400 delayed. The weather challenges come as many travelers are flying out of major airport hubs or driving ahead of the holiday weekend.
A flood watch is in effect for the Washington, D.C., area, and heavy rains are anticipated in New York City. Travelers are advised to check with airlines for updates and plan for potential delays as the weather system moves through the region.