Severe Storms Disrupt Over 7,000 Flights Across U.S. East Coast
Severe thunderstorms swept across the U.S. East Coast on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, causing significant disruptions to air travel. According to FlightAware, over 7,000 flights were affected, with more than 2,000 cancellations and 5,000 delays. The storms triggered flood warnings and tornado watches, with confirmed tornado sightings in northeast Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey (Fox Weather). Major airports, including those in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., experienced ground stops issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) faced an average ground delay of four hours despite not being under a ground stop. Airlines such as JetBlue, United Airlines, and American Airlines have issued travel advisories and flexible rebooking options for affected passengers. 
