Overnight storms bring lightning and nickel-sized hail

Summer storms made their way across Manitoba overnight Friday bringing wind,hail, lightning, and a lot of rain.

Environment Canada meteorologist Brian Bukoski said the series of storms started in the southwestern corner and moved all the way through the Red River Valley into northwestern Ontario.

"This was an above average summer storm," he said.

In general, the storm brought between 20 and 30 millimetres of rain, but some places got more than45 millimetres.

There was also hail and strong winds.

"We got reports of nickel-sized hail just within the city of Winnipeg and out west in Brandon the highest wind gusts that we saw was 106 km/hr," Bukoski said.

On Saturday morning, Manitoba Hydro said there were many power outages across southern Manitoba impacting more than5,000 customers.

In Carman, Man., located about 85 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg, trees were blown down and a grain bin was blown over onto Manitoba Hydro equipment. About 2,500 customers lost power until just after 9 a.m.

Dozens of other communities includingKillarney,Baldur, andSelkirkalso lost power because of lightning strikes, trees falling on lines, and wires coming down.

Hydro said they are still cleaning up and most customers have their power back.

CBC meteorologist John Sauder says there is a risk of more storms in Winnipeg on Saturday afternoon and evening.