Trucks were stationed in Fredonia in preparation of possible power outages.

High winds and rain with possible thunderstorms are moving into the region this afternoon.

According to the National Weather Service, most of the high winds gusts could reach 50 to 65 mph and be confined to northern Chautauqua County. Already this morning, winds of 54 mph were clocked at Dunkirk Airport and in Fredonia between 7:25 and 8 a.m. Sunday morning.

Winds will be revving up, according to forecasters, around 2 p.m. locally.

National Grid announced Sunday it was preparing for the worst. According to a news release, the company has increased staffing across the region to more than 2,600 line, service, tree, damage assessment and public safety workers.

“In anticipation of the potential for extended power outages in the region, National Grid is prepared to distribute dry ice and bottled water to impacted customers from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday.

In Dunkirk-Fredonia, that location is the Dunkirk Training Grounds, 665 Brigham Road.

“If the weather system results in power outages, National Grid will work closely with local officials to coordinate restoration efforts.The company reminds customers to remain aware of potential safety hazards such as damaged trees,particularly broken limbs that haven’t yet fallen to the ground. As always, all downed wires should be considered live and dangerous and should be immediately reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or by calling 911.”

Temperatures have been rising during the morning. However, around 4 p.m. those digits will start going downward into the 40s.

Rain is forecast Monday and Tuesday as well with temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s.