Posted Wednesday, December 28, 2011 --- 6:50 a.m.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Air travelers through New York City have experienced extensive delays as wind gusts up to 50 mph played havoc with flight schedules.

The strong winds associated with a storm that passed through the region Tuesday caused some flights to be delayed for hours or diverted to other airports. National Weather Service meteorologist Adrienne Leptich said the delays occur because the number of planes that can land safely in an hour in high winds must be decreased.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported that some arriving flights at Newark International Airport were delayed an average of 2 hours and 8 minutes while flights into LaGuardia Airport were delayed an average 1 hour and 34 minutes. Kennedy International Airport reported minor delays.

Copyright 2011. The Associated Press.