ALBANY - The state is preparing for heavy rain, snow, high winds and flooding this weekend into early next week, Gov. Eliot Spitzer said Friday.

Such Nor'easters typically hit Long Island hardest.

“It is imperative that the public be aware of the potential problems associated with this storm and plan accordingly,” Spitzer said.

The state's National Guard is being alerted and prepared for the storm and the possibility of impassible roads and power losses.

The National Weather Service warned that several inches of rain is possible along with winds gusting to 40 mph or harder starting Saturday night.

In the Long Island area, the rain and some snow could meet the spring tide, which would mean a tidal surge of just 1 or 2 feet could result in coastal flooding.

“Even though it may be spring, we need to take this warning seriously and be sure to take appropriate precautions,” Spitzer said.

“Everybody is watching (the storm) very carefully,” said Rich Harris, a spokesman for Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell. “There's going to be a lot of communicating back and forth, making sure we're well prepared to respond to anything that comes along” Harris said Friday.

In Westchester County, officials are cleaning catch basins, preparing boats and road barricades and filling sandbags for municipalities.

“Residents of the Sound Shore know first hand how flooding can damage their communities,” said County Executive Andy Spano.