GRAY — Mainers are bracing for a major, but quick-moving winter storm today, one of the busiest travel days of the year.

The pre-Thanksgiving Day storm is forecast to spead snow northward into Maine and New Hampshire during the late morning and afternoon hours Wednesday. Snow will become heavy at times in the afternoon, into the evening, accumulating at rates up to 1-inch per hour.

The National Weather Service said that the snow may begin as a brief period of rain over southern and coastal areas, but a significant amount of the precipitation will fall as snow.

Because of the expected intensity and rapid accumulation of snow, driving will become treacherous and travel is not expected later in the day today.

"Travelers should be at their destination by Wednesday afternoon to avoid hazardous conditions," said the NWS in its 3:49 a.m. update Nov. 26.

A winter storm warning remains in effect from 10 a.m. this morning through 7 a.m. Thursday.

For the Midcoast, 8-12 inches of snow is in the forecast, with the snow tapering off early Thursday. Heavy, wet snow near the coast may cause scattered power outages, and because the ground is not yet frozen, trees are likely more susceptible to falling due to the accumulating weight on branches.

Winds will be north at 5-15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. Visibilities will be 1/4-mile or less at times, and temperatures will be in the lower 30s.

In addition to hitting the road sooner than originally planned, keep a fully-charged cell phone, an extra flashlight, food, water and blankets in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or 706-6655.