Power has been cut to hundreds of houses across Canterbury tonight as strong winds keep emergency services busy.

Nearly 400 houses in Coalgate, Glentunnel, Hororata, and Whitecliffs are without power.

140 properties at Glenroy, Glentunnel, Hororata, Windwhistle have also had their power cut.

Orion said it expected power outages due to this evening’s wind storm.

“Our crews will be out as soon as it is safe for them to restore power in the morning.”

Alpine Energy said power has been cut to a number of properties in Arundel, Four Peaks, Peel Forest.

Meanwhile, MainPower has thanked customers for their patience following power cuts due to Friday’s windstorm.

“There are now less than 100 customers without power across the region.”

The company said “as the winds are starting to pick up, crews are now standing down, ready to restart work tomorrow at first light. Any customers who have not yet had power restored should assume they will be without power until tomorrow at the earliest. We have made efforts to contact all affected customers directly.”

“Treat all lines as live during the outage period; as power may be restored at any time.”

CANTERBURY HIGH COUNTRY AND FOOTHILLS WIND WARNINGS

Metservice has forecast severe gale northwesterlies, with damaging gusts of 160 km/h in exposed places until 6am Monday.

It said “these winds are expected to produce widespread damage, especially to trees and powerlines and could lift roofs.”

“Transport and power networks are likely to be significantly impacted, with road closures and power outages. Conditions will be hazardous for motorists and there is a danger to life from flying debris and falling trees or branches.”