Fire and Emergency crews are dealing with multiple call outs as a result of the severe winds across the Canterbury region.

A spokesman said as at 1.45pm there were more than 25 responses underway all across the district, including power lines down, fallen trees, lifting roofs and to a tree fallen onto a car in Central Christchurch.

Fire and Emergency is advising people to stay off the roads if possible and tie down any loose outdoor items.

“Please do not light any fires today! Also check any old burn piles and ensure they are out.”

Part of the roof at Southern Cross Hospital on Bealey Avenue has ripped off, while Fire and Emergency crews were also dealing with a house fire in Hornby.

Strong winds was making the situation tough for fire fighters a local resident said.

A large tree was down in Fendalton Park.

Emergency services also blocked off Harper Ave because of a fallen tree.

There were no reports of injuries.

A tree had fallen onto a house on Madras Street in Christchurch’s central city.

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens has been closed to the public a council spokesman said.

Lines company Orion said “due to the severe windstorm affecting Canterbury, there are a large number of outages affecting the network.

If there is an immediate risk to public safety please dial 111. Our crews will be out to assess the network and restore power once it is safe to do so. Please stay safe out there.”

Mainpower was also dealing with major power cuts in North Canterbury.

MetService said gusts of up to 200kph have been measured in some exposed areas in Canterbury

Fire and Emergency crews are also in Waipara dealing with a number of callouts because of fallen trees.