(NEW YORK) -- A sinkhole has shut down one of the runways at LaGuardia International Airport in New York City, prompting cancellations and delays, according to officials.

Crews found the sinkhole around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, while conducting a daily morning inspection of the airport's airfield, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The sinkhole was located near Runway 4/22, one of the airport's two runways, according to the Port Authority.

Runway 4/22 was "immediately" shut down, and emergency construction and engineering crews are on site to make repairs, the Port Authority said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it is slowing flights into LaGuardia "due to weather and a sinkhole on Runway 4/22."

The runway is expected to be closed until 6 a.m. ET Thursday, according to a notice published by the FAA. This is subject to change, and weather could slow things down. 

The region is under a severe thunderstorm watch into Wednesday night.

"Travelers should expect delays and cancellations, particularly with forecast thunderstorms expected later today, and are strongly encouraged to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight status information," the Port Authority said.

The airport is currently under a ground delay, with flights departing to LaGuardia delayed an average of 98 minutes.

According to FlightAware, there are 197 cancellations into and out of LGA, and 168 delays, as of Wednesday mid-afternoon.

A pilot and ground controller could be heard talking about the sinkhole as crews apparently responded, with the pilot asking "what happened" to the runway, according to audio on ATC.com.

"There's a sinkhole," the ground controller responded, noting that it "looks like they got equipment out there now."

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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