In the most extreme case 40kt translates to 4000'/min up or down-draughts - not something many helicopters can out climb at the best of times and although downdraughts don't keep going to the ground they get pretty close, and if you are in the wrong place it clearly presents some pretty extreme windshear such as in rotor turbulence. The chances of being able to stay on the upwind side A-B must be pretty slim, and it certainly it isn't going to be much fun in a teetering head!
If the gremlins in your stomach are saying no, listen to 'em!