FAA issues nationwide ground stop due to 'extraordinary circumstances'

• The FAA issued a national ground stop.
• It cited "extraordinary circumstances."
• Airports are affected from California to New York.

The Federal Aviation Administration late Friday afternoon issued a nationwide "ground stop," affecting flights across the country.

The FAA issued the advisory after a reported equipment outage affecting airports across the US: "National ground stop," the advisory read.

The agency said the stop was due to "extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety."

Airports affected appear to be at least Chicago O'Hare, Chicago Midway, and Newark, New Jersey, which are reporting equipment outages on the FAA's airport-monitoring webpage.

The FAA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.