Flights To Northeast Out Of LAX Canceled Due To Irene

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — All flights to the northeast out of Los Angeles International Airport were canceled Sunday as Tropical Storm Irene lashed the Eastern Seaboard.

More than 8,000 flights have been canceled nationwide, but an LAX spokeswoman said most travelers stranded by the storm had made alternative plans, leaving only a few stragglers at the airport.

"Operations have said everything is standard," Diana Sanchez said. "We do not have people camped out waiting for flights." "We are happy about that."

The storm, downgraded from a hurricane Sunday morning, caused some flooding and widespread power outages across New England, but little infrastructure damage was believed to have occurred.

Airports in New York City, Philadelphia and Boston metro areas closed Saturday, and it was unclear when they would reopen.

Once the storm passes, it will probably take several days to clear the glut of passengers whose travel plans were put on hold.

Airlines have canceled most flights to airports from Washington, D.C., to points north -- in some cases through Monday.

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