GRAY (AP) – Maine emergency management officials braced for power outages as Hurricane Noel’s remnants approached the state on Friday.

The National Weather Service predicted gusts of 70 mph tonight in Down East regions, and gusts of up to 50 mph are expected on the southern coast.

Hurricane Noel, the deadliest storm to hit the Atlantic this year, was expected to lose strength as it paralleled the U.S. coast while moving north toward Nova Scotia. But it was still expected to pack a punch with hurricane-force gusts.

In Maine, emergency management agencies, utility crews and the Red Cross were making preparations, said Lynette Miller of the Maine Emergency Management Agency. The Red Cross was prepared to open shelters if necessary, she said.

“We’re keeping a close eye on the forecast, and our trucks and crews are set to go,” said John Carroll of Central Maine Power Co.

Most boaters were headed to safe harbors, and the Coast Guard boosted readiness as the forecast called for gusts topping 85 mph off the coast.

In addition to strong gusts, brief but heavy rain was expected as the fast-moving storm sweeps through Maine, said Eric Sinsabaugh of the National Weather Service. The heaviest rainfall was expected to be around Cape Cod, which could see 4 to 5 inches, he said.