A strong winter storm expected to hit the state today has already caused state government and the Legislature to close, classes to be canceled, high school sports contests to be postponed, and the American Red Cross to issue tips on handling the cold and snow.

Six to 10 inches of snow is expected in central and northern areas, Richard Norton, hydrometeorological technician at the National Weather Service in Caribou, said Thursday.

“Residents should expect heavy snow at times, a couple inches an hour,” Norton said, noting a winter storm warning is in effect for the entire state. “It will cover roads quickly, making travel difficult.”

Aroostook County and central sections should expect heavy snow with an easterly wind gusting up to 30 mph. Snow and sleet are expected to continue into the evening.

“The farther south, the more sleet,” Norton said.

As a result, the Maine Principals’ Association rescheduled Friday night high school basketball and hockey games to Saturday.

The Lake Region vs. Waterville Class B girls state championship basketball game will be played at noon Saturday at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland.

The Mountain Valley High School vs. Camden Hills Regional High School Class B boys will play at approximately 1:45 p.m. after the awards presentation for the girls game.

In hockey, the Class A West semifinal games between Biddeford and Kennebunk, and Falmouth and Scarborough will be played Saturday at the Colisee in Lewiston. Biddeford vs. Kennebunk will be at noon., Falmouth vs. Scarborough at 2 p.m.

The Waterville vs. Bangor game, originally set for Saturday, will be played at 6:30 p.m. with Brunswick vs. Lewiston to follow at 8:30 p.m.

In anticipation of the storm, Gov. John Baldacci announced state government would be shut down for the day today. Legislative leaders also canceled public hearings. Also, courts in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties announced they will be closed today.

Classes are canceled at the University of Maine, giving students an extra day off heading into spring break.

In anticipation of the storm, the American Red Cross on Thursday offered the following safety and preparedness tips:

. Stay indoors during the storm. If you do go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves and a hat will prevent loss of body heat, and cover your mouth to protect your lungs.

. Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if it is necessary be sure to let someone know your destination, the route you plan to take and when you expect to arrive. Also be sure to have a first aid kit, flashlight and extra batteries, as well as other supplies in the vehicle.

For more winter storm preparedness tips, visit the Red Cross Web site at www.southernmaineredcross.org or www.redcross.org. For more information, call 941-2903 in Bangor, 762-5671 in Presque Isle or 667-4737 in Ellsworth.

For helpful ideas on how to stay comfortable if a power outage occurs, refer to the Central Maine Power Co. Web page at www.cmpco.com.

Saturday will bring just a chance of snow showers, with wind gusts in the morning but subsiding in the afternoon, according to Norton.

To get more weather information, visit www.noaa.gov.