As rain and thunderstorms pelt the East Coast on Thursday, air traffic controllers continue to call out of work in greater numbers after missing their first full paycheck, causing further delays.

The transportation secretary's visit comes as air traffic controllers are slated to miss their first full paycheck next week.

The FAA's Command Center said the primary cause of the widespread disruptions is the current wave of severe weather in the Northeast that is expected to continue into the afternoon

Earlier this week, flights were delayed at New York’s LaGuardia Airport and New Jersey’s Newark Airport because of air traffic controller shortages

Flights in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport were significantly delayed Sunday evening as the government shutdown is stressing the air traffic control system. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a “traffic management program” in effect at the airport due to “staffing,” alerts show.

ATC personnel are among the “excepted” federal employees working without pay while the government is shut down.