Suffolk: Avoid swimming at 66 beaches

An advisory against swimming has been issued for 66 Suffolk County beaches as a result of heavy rainfall which could lead to elevated bacteria levels, county health officials said.

Residents are advised to suspend swimming and other water contact, officials said, with the advisory expected to be lifted at 4 p.m. Thursday, unless water samples indicate excessive bacteria levels.

The affected beaches are in the towns of Babylon, Brookhaven, Huntington, Islip and Smithtown.

Learn more about closures at the county's beach hotline, 631-852-5822, and at http://gis2.suffolkcountyny.gov/bathingbeaches/