Streets were closed, events were cancelled and nearly 300 properties in Canterbury lost power as strong winds battered the region today.
The high winds that felled trees have now died down as the weather front moves north.
Gusts of up to 140 kilometres an hour were recorded on Christchurch's Port Hills, and up to 160 kilometres on Mount Hutt.
The wind lifted the roof of the clock tower in Cathedral Square and Armagh Street at the intersection with Park Terrace in the central city was closed, after a tree was blown onto the road.
The organisers of The World's Buskers Festival in Hagley Park cancelled all day-time shows.
A tree blown onto a pylon near Lincoln caused major damage, with 87 customers without power.
Another 25 customers were without power in Redwood and Yaldhurst.
Fire Service spokesman Andrew Norris said the wind had lifted the roof of the clock tower in Cathedral Square.
He said it was too dangerous for a crew to get onto the roof at this stage but it did not pose any risk to the public.
