Hurricane Leslie closes LI state parks to swimming

Three state parks on the Atlantic Ocean were closed to swimming Wednesday because of rough surf from the effects of Hurricane Leslie more than 500 miles away, state officials said.

"Due to the slow movement of this storm we are unsure as to when swimming will be reauthorized," at Jones Beach, Robert Moses and Hither Hills state parks, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said in a news release.

The National Hurricane Center said swells generated by the storm will continue to effect the East Coast "from Central Florida northward . . . for the next several days."

"These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions," the center said in a statement.

While swimming is prohibited, parks will be open with lifeguards on duty who will prevent people from going into the water, said George Gorman, Long Island deputy regional director for state parks.

The three parks were scheduled to be available to swimmers until Sept. 16. Sunken Meadow State Park on the North Shore remains open to swimmers.

With Patricia Kitchen

SEE PHOTOSParks and preserves across LI