Ten Nassau beaches closed as hurricane goes up coastline

Ten South Shore beaches in Nassau County are closed to swimmers, as high seas and strong riptides continue while Hurricane Earl makes its way up the coastline.
   
While forecasters say that Nassau will be spared from direct impact, officials from the county and the towns of Hempstead and Oyster Bay decided to close down beaches until the waters are deemed safe again.

"After a conference call with the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management and all of the coordinating agencies, we will heed the advice of the National Weather Service and close our beaches for the safety of our residents," said Mangano.

Though the heavier impacts of Earl are expected to hit the East End of Long Island and parts of New England, the National Weather Service declared a tropical storm watch for Nassau County. It recommends that people continue with preparations, listen for possible warnings, and bring small craft back to port or seek safe harbor. Rain is expected to begin after noon on the South Shore, and high winds are possible through the overnight hours. Saturday's forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and a temperature of 83.

Mangano said the marine forecast calls for "the worst-case scenario for swimmers to enter the water. Extremely strong rip current and moderate surf advisory for Atlantic-facing beaches."
   
According to Nassau County, the following beaches are closed to swimmers:

- Jones Beach
- Tobay
- Village of Atlantic Beach
- Long Beach
- Nickerson Beach
- Point Lookout
- Lido
- Lido West
- Mailbu
- East Atlantic Beach


"There is no reason to take a chance and venture into the surf today," Mangano said. "No matter the lure of the ocean, the decision to swim could result in dire consequences. Please take the advice of the experts and stay out of the ocean."

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