Bacteria concerns close 19 Suffolk beaches

An advisory has been issued against bathing at 19 beaches in Suffolk County because of heavy rain that brings the potential for excessive bacteria, health officials said Tuesday.

Beaches affected include those "heavily influenced by storm water runoff" and those that "experience limited tidal flushing," according to a release from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.

Bathing and other water contact should be suspended, health officials recommended, until the areas "have been flushed by two successive tidal cycles" over a 24-hour period once the rain stops.

That means unless elevated bacterial levels persist, the advisory will be lifted at 8 p.m. Wednesday, officials said.

Beaches affected are:

Town of Babylon -- Amityville Village Beach, Tanner Park Beach, Venetian Shores Beach, Copiague Harbor Property Owners Association

Town of Brookhaven -- Corey Beach, Shirley Beach, Patchogue Village Pool and Beach, Holiday Beach

Town of East Hampton -- Havens Beach

Town of Islip -- Benjamin Beach, Islip Beach, East Islip Beach, West Oaks Recreation Club Beach, Brightwaters Village Beach, Sayville Beach, Bayport Beach, Sayville Marina Park Beach, Lake Ronkonkoma/Islip Town Beach, Bayberry Beach and Tennis Club Beach

To check on beach status, call the county's beach hotline at 631-852-5822 or see suffolkcountyny.gov/health.