Thousands of homes across Canterbury are without power on Monday night as a strong southwest front swept across the region.

Electricity provider Orion said crews were working hard to restore power, but the severe wind conditions made it unsafe to carry out repairs in some areas.

Residents were advised to be prepared to remain without power overnight.

“Please stay well clear of any downed or damaged power lines and electrical equipment. Always treat all lines and equipment as live and do not attempt to move or touch fallen lines or anything in contact with them,” Orion said.

People were asked to report hazards immediately by calling 0800 363 9898 or using the Snap Send Solve app.

As of 11pm, multiple areas were affected by outages, including:

• Broadfield, Halswell, Hornby, Ladbrooks, Lansdowne, Lincoln, Marleys Hill, Prebbleton, Tai Tapu, Templeton: 2699 properties affected, none restored, estimated restoration 2.16am Tuesday.
• Governors Bay, Marleys Hill, Rapaki: 430 properties affected, 215 restored, estimated restoration 1.48am Tuesday.
• Springston, Springston South: 23 properties affected, none restored, estimated restoration 2.05am Tuesday.
• Greenpark, Halswell, Ladbrooks, Lincoln, Tai Tapu: 461 properties affected, none restored, estimated restoration 11.55pm Monday.
• Brooklands, Spencerville: 368 properties affected, 294 restored, estimated restoration 11.54pm Monday.
• Greenpark, Lincoln, Springston: 124 properties affected, none restored, estimated restoration 2.15am Tuesday.
• Halswell, Hoon Hay: 56 properties affected, none restored, estimated restoration 2.10am Tuesday.
• Aylesbury, Burnham, Halkett, Kirwee, Rolleston, Sandy Knolls, West Melton: 504 properties affected, 359 restored, estimated restoration 12.23am Tuesday.
• Aylesbury, Courtenay, Halkett, Kirwee, Sandy Knolls, West Melton: 732 properties affected, none restored, estimated restoration 2.07am Tuesday.
• Brookside, Doyleston, Irwell: 306 properties affected, 196 restored, estimated restoration 1.00pm Monday.
• Brookside, Irwell, Leeston, Selwyn Huts, Springston South: 199 properties affected, none restored, estimated restoration 2.01am Tuesday.
• Doyleston, Irwell, Leeston: 41 properties affected, none restored, estimated restoration 2.03am Tuesday.
• Milltown, Southbridge: 46 properties affected, none restored, estimated restoration 1.49am Tuesday.

Orion said teams would continue restoration work as soon as conditions improved.