Damage to hydro lines during Hurricane Igor caused a fire in this tree in St. John's. (CBC)

Thousands of people in eastern and central Newfoundland will be without power overnight because of damage caused by Hurricane Igor, according to a Newfoundland Power official.

"We still have crews in the field working but we have 75 power lines out across the island and that is literally thousands of customers," Bob Pike said Tuesday evening. "The way it is looking right now, there is a large number of these that are out now that will be out all night."

Pike said it will be difficult to get to some areas because roads are closed and washed out.

"We may not get to the Placentia, Dunnville, Cape Shore areas. It looks like we cannot get to those tonight. Parts of Old Perlican may be out tonight with power restoration in the morning. There's a good chance that the power lines down in the New Chelsea area will be out overnight and in the Long Harbour area."

Pike said it is impossible to say if anyone who didn't have power Tuesday evening will have it before sunrise Wednesday.

Earlier on Tuesday, Pike said more than 7,000 residents lost power because of the high winds and heavy rain Igor brought to Newfoundland.