Nineteen Nassau beaches closed after rainfall

Nineteen Nassau County beaches are closed, effective Thursday, as a precautionary measure after heavy rainfall, the county health department said.

Runoff from storm water can elevate bacteria levels used to measure the quality of bathing water, the department said.

The 14 North Shore beaches closed are: Centre Island Sound, Creek Club, Lattingtown Beach, Laurel Hollow Beach, Morgan Sound, North Hempstead Beach Park, Piping Rock Beach Club, Pryibil Beach, Ransom Beach, Roosevelt Beach, Sea Cliff Village Beach, Soundside Beach, Stehli Beach and Tappen Beach.

The five South Shore beaches are Biltmore Beach Club, Hewlett Point Beach, Island Park Beach, Merrick Estates Civic Association and Philip Healey Beach.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said that the beaches will be reopened 24 hours after the rainfall stops.

For the latest information on beach closings and openings, call 516-227-9700.