CNN

Flights interrupted by electrical failure in the system that feeds the airport
Passengers who had not passed screening blocked from entering secure zones
Those who already cleared security checkpoints can remain in gate lounge waiting areas
Washington (CNN) -- An electrical failure in the system that feeds Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport interrupted flights Monday and prompted additional security measures, airport officials told CNN.

"The failure is outside the airport," said Metropolitan Washington Airports spokeswoman Courtney Mickalonis, "and the airport is in a ground stop," halting all arrivals and departures.

Transportation Security Administration workers have allowed those who had already cleared security checkpoints to remain in gate lounge waiting areas, but those who had not passed screening were blocked from entering the secure zones at the airport.

"The equipment does not have power," Mickalonis confirmed, saying she had no word on the cause of the electrical failure nor how long the flight schedule would be interrupted.