Steve Orr | Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

A damaging windstorm is expected to hit the Rochester area and points west Monday, posing a new threat to hundreds of thousands of people who are sheltering in place at home.

Steady winds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts of 60 mph will cause "widespread" power outages, the National Weather Service said Sunday. The weather service has issued high-wind warnings for the entire Rochester-Finger Lakes region, as well as the Buffalo region and parts of the North Country.

The warning for the Rochester area is effective from 10 a.m. Monday until 2 a.m. Tuesday.

There also is a chance of thunderstorms, some of which could be severe, in late afternoon.

An updated warning issued Monday morning backed off earlier estimates that peak wind gusts in the Rochester and Buffalo areas could hit 70 mph. But the warning language remained strong.

"Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles," the warning stated. "Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

"People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. Use caution if you must drive."

Working from home maybe easier said than done

Widespread power outages would post a new burden on people who have been directed to remain at home as much as possible because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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People working or studying from home could lose the ability to do so. Loss of power would eliminate Internet, video, music and other sources of home entertainment. Prolonged outages could pose food-storage difficulties for people who are already struggling to keep their pantries full.

The powerful storm system that was triggering severe weather in the South on Sunday is expected to move through this part of the continent Monday.

It will bring warm temperatures Monday but some drizzle as well. Winds will pick up Sunday night and continue to become stronger throughout the day Monday.

The strongest gusts in the area of the warning are forecast to begin Monday afternoon and continue into the night, possibly peaking around dinnertime.

The latest warning suggested the record for Rochester's strongest April wind gust could remain intact. That record, 66 mph, was set April 4, 2018.

In its detailed forecast, the weather service office in Buffalo said Monday the maximum wind gust in the forecast had been dropped from 70 mph to 60 because upper-level wind speeds were proving to be somewhat lower than expected.

Under certain circumstances those winds can dip down toward the surface and fuel gusts there.

The weather service said passage Monday afternoon of a cold front associated with the storm system could bring strong thunderstorm, which could be accompanied by strong localized winds.