Flights across the country were halted Tuesday as severe thunderstorms were expected to batter the East Coast, affecting millions of travelers close to the holiday weekend. 

Ground stops and delays were issued at Newark Liberty International Airport and LaGuardia Airport in the New York City area, as well as at airports in Boston, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Orlando, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

Scattered storms, excessive rainfall and flooding were expected in the northeast, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. The NWS expects up to three inches of rain along the East Coast.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport  (iStock)

Collectively, five airports logged about 600 cancellations and 1,900 delays, according to data from FlightAware. 

LaGuardia Airport had about 180 flights canceled and 400 delayed, according to the site. 

Tuesday’s expected storms come as many people are flying out of major airport hubs or driving ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend. 

Passengers move through a JFK airport terminal. (AP Photo)

A flood watch was in effect for the Washington, D.C., area, and heavy rains were expected in New York City. 

Fox News Digital’s Julia Bonavita contributed to this report.