Canterbury residents were gripped with terror on Sunday after a so called “supercell” thunderstorm created several damaging tornadoes.

Dozens of properties in both Amberley and Leeston were hit by the tornado, while the storm also caused power outages, fires, and destructive hailstones.

Government forecasters said the tornadoes originated in a “supercell” storm, which formed off the Timaru coast, and hit Christchurch at about 5pm.

The fire service said publicly there were no reports of injuries related to the tornadoes, or the storm.

Power lines were down and a fire started in Southbridge, while lightning caused issues in Halswell and Burnham.

400 Orion customers were without power on Sunday night, though they were quickly connected back on Monday.

– Photo: Stuff

– Weatherwatch