Beaches Close as Hermine Moves Up the Coast

Beaches throughout East Hampton are closed to swimming as Tropical Storm Hermine moves up the coast, though after changing course slightly overnight it is expected to be less intense.  

Still, a tropical storm warning remains in effect for Long Island, as does a state of emergency declared in Suffolk County on Saturday. Dangerously rough surf and "life-threatening rip current risks [are] expected through the early week," according to the National Weather Service.

Though lifeguards are on duty at town beaches, they are flying no flags, which means swimming Is not permitted. County beaches are also closed elsewhere on Long Island. Also, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation closed all ocean beaches on Long Island to swimmers Sunday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s office announced.

As of Sunday morning, the tropical storm was about 300 miles south-southeast of Montauk Point and moving east-northeast at 12 miles per hour. It is expected to slow down and turn northeast later Sunday. Forecasts show Hermine may not pass off off Montauk until late Wednesday.  

Sustained winds of 20 to 30 m.p.h. are forecasted with gusts between 40 and 50 m.p.h. Widespread moderate coastal flooding is expected starting at high tide Sunday night. Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching the dunes is also in the cards. Rainfall of one half to one and one quarter inch across eastern Long Island is likely. 

The Federal Emergency Management Authority mistakenly transmitted a message Saturday night to Suffolk County residents that they must evacuate the island. Only Fire Island is under a volunatry evacuation. County Executive Steve Bellone and emergency officials took to social media shortly after the inaccurate message went out as a "code red" and scrolled across television screens to correct the message. 

Indian Wells Beach, Sunday morning, by Carissa Katz