Forecasters are predicting next week’s “Frankenstorm” will only deliver a glancing blow to Maine, but could still cause some damage.

The state and Central Maine Power aren’t taking any chances, though, and prepared Friday for the possibility power outages.

Hurricane Sandy is expected to strike the East Coast Monday.

Meteorologist Tom Hawley from the National Weather Service office in Gray said Friday Maine can expect 3 to 5 inches of rain and wind gusts up to 40 to 50 mph, starting Monday afternoon, the Associated Press reported.

Hawley said the storm will still be dangerous south of New England, and there is still the possibility of flooding and scattered power outages in Maine.

CMP announced in a press release that utility trucks are fueled and equipped, and key personnel are holding periodic pre-storm planning sessions to discuss staffing levels and finalize storm-response plans.

“Our main concern will be the high winds and heavy rains forecast to accompany the storm,” said spokesman John Carroll. “With leaves that have not yet been shed, trees are particularly vulnerable to strong winds, and the limbs and branches could be blown into our lines.”

The utility is coordinating its efforts with the Maine Emergency Management Agency and the governor’s office, which has issued a limited emergency declaration Friday to help Maine that suspends travel restrictions that would otherwise slow the arrival of crews from other states and Canada, according to the press release.