An unusually strong storm pummelled southern British Columbia overnight, bringing heavy rain and lightning strikes that caused power outages and travel interruptions for thousands.

Environment Canada issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Metro Vancouver, Whistler, the Southern Gulf Islands and part of Vancouver Island.

Vancouver International Airport says passengers were stranded between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. because flights could not depart and arriving flights were unable to taxi to the gate because of lightning.

The airport says impacts to flights continue as it works to recover its schedule. storm

BC Hydro’s outage map shows thousands of customers across the province were without power in the early morning hours due to lightning and downed trees.

Heavy rains also hit Central B.C. overnight, as Environment Canada warned the Cariboo and Chilcotin regions could see between 25 to 50 mm.