PORTLAND – Old Man Winter isn’t going down without a fight, hitting the state with another messy storm on the last weekend before the arrival of spring.

The entire state was under a winter storm warning Friday evening with the potential of 6 to 12 inches of snow from Fort Kent to Kittery, followed by sleet, freezing rain and rain in southern and central regions.

On top of that, there were concerns about flooding and power outages brought on by heavy, wet snow and ice-covered trees and power lines.

The storm was expected to be similar to one that swept across the state on March 2, resulting in school cancellations, delayed and canceled flights, and government offices being shut down, the National Weather Service said.

Forecasters said a combination of high winds and heavy snows will create hazardous conditions, with occasional whiteouts.

Rainfall amounts of more than an inch were possible Saturday across southern and central Maine, raising concerns about urban flood problems with storm drains becoming blocked by heavy, wet snow and causing water and slush to collect on the streets.

High tides and rough surf on Saturday morning could lead to minor coastal flooding and beach erosion, forecasters said.

Even before any snow fell on Friday, flights into and out of Portland were canceled because of weather problems at other airports, particularly those in the New York area and Philadelphia, said Jeff Monroe, Portland’s transportation director.

A Bangor International Airport official said all U.S. Airways flights and one from Delta were cancelled Friday night. Anyone planning to leave from BIA Saturday should call the airport to see if the flight still is scheduled.

Bangor Hydro Electric Co. and Central Maine Power Co. were readying their utility crews and vehicles on Friday to respond to any power outages that might result from the storm.

“Heavy, wet snow followed by freezing rain followed by colder temperatures is definitely a concern,” said spokeswoman Gail Rice.

Bangor Hydro issued a press release reminding customers not to touch or remove downed power lines or trees that might be knocked down onto power lines. To report a power outage, downed line or other power emergency, customers should call (800) 400-1111.

Weather officials were forecasting four to seven inches of snow in coastal Hancock and Washington counties before changing over to sleet and freezing rain and then to rain. A wind warning also was issued for the area between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday. Winds were expected to reach 20 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 60 mph.

In Penobscot, Piscataquis and inland Hancock and Washington counties weather officials expected 5 to 12 inches of snow to fall before changing to sleet and freezing rain by Saturday afternoon. Officials said as much as a quarter of an inch of ice may accumulate before the changeover.

Northern Maine was expected to see 10 to 12 inches before changing over to rain, according to the National Weather Service.

Weather service officials said the bulk of the storm should be over between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday.

Emergency officials up and down the Kennebec River throughout Somerset and Kennebec counties were planning to keep a close eye on the waterway Saturday because of the potential for flooding.

A steady rain on top of heavy snow could cause problems.

“The cold is what saved us today,” said Robert Higgins, director of emergency management for Somerset County.

Higgins said the Kennebec River, as it winds through the county, Skowhegan, Fairfield and Waterville, has many closed sections but also large open stretches of water.

“My river watch folks are reporting some very thin ice that could break up and cause a jam,” he said. If a jam were to occur, Higgins said, water could rise as quickly as a foot per minute.

“Everything depends on whether we get the rain Saturday afternoon or not,” Higgins said. He said that people who live in low-lying areas should pay careful attention to both the weather and nearby water levels.

The Maine Emergency Management Agency also urged residents to stay alert to possible ice movement on the state’s streams and secondary rivers.

“That is entirely unpredictable,” said MEMA spokeswoman Lynette Miller. “People who live near waterways are urged to keep their eyes open if there’s any icing.”