A winter storm that began dumping snow across the region early Wednesday morning was still grinding along into the evening.

The storm was expected to drop as much as 20 inches of snow in some parts of the state. By early evening, 10 inches had fallen in most areas, including Lewiston, Auburn and surrounding towns. The snow was still falling heavily in the Twin Cities at 8 p.m. and weather officials said it might keep up until after midnight.

The storm caused cancellations just about everywhere as schools, business, courts and government officers closed early in the day. Gov. John Baldacci ordered state offices in all but extreme northern Maine closed as of 2:30 p.m.

Police in the tri-county area reported big numbers of cars off the road and some minor crashes. There were no reports of serious wrecks by late in the day and traffic was light on most highways and in-town streets.

In Lewiston, a water main break at Lisbon Street and East Avenue was not directly blamed on the storm, but falling snow and bitter cold did not make repairs any easier.

Police were outside in near white-out conditions to steer traffic around the area. Utility crews made their way to the scene in heavy traffic and on slick roads. City crews planned to work at repairing the break into Thursday morning.

The National Weather Service said the winter storm warning would remain in effect into Thursday as the snow continues to fall at rates of up to an inch or two an hour. Accumulations along the coast were held down by a changeover to sleet and even rain in some areas.

It was not all gloom and misery. Skiers and those who operate the slopes were giddy as more snow fell.

Ski areas welcomed one more in a series of winter storms that have blanketed the state. Several mountains have already received more than 100 inches of snow this season. “This storm comes at a perfect time for the Alpine and Nordic areas,” said Greg Sweetser, executive director of the Ski Maine Association.

“We’re nearing the midpoint of winter, the days are getting longer, and families are looking forward to the school vacation week.”