Naturalist: Irene Expected to Negatively Impact West Meadow Beach

As residents prepare for the possible loss of power, downed trees and other types of damage, faces a different set of problems, according to naturalist Eileen Gerle.

Flooding on the road and parking lot, beach erosion, and debris washing up will negatively affect the beach, Gerle said. Part of the problem will be due to the new moon.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of debris on the beach," she said. "Big things like logs, pieces of docks and boats. We'll have to do a cleanup."

She said she is also worried for the safety of the animals who live there, in particular the bird population.

"We don't have trees and the power lines are buried," she said. "It's a little different from the rest of the population who are worried about their trees and losing power."

Gerle, whose home is a cottage at the beach, will evacuate and stay with a friend.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services issued beach advisories for 131 beaches on Long Island, warning residents to avoid bathing for 48 hours after the hurricane is over.

"The advisory is based on the potential that bacterial numbers in excess of New York State standards, resulting from the heavy rain, will impact these areas," the SCDHS said in a statement.

Local beaches affected include the following:

• West Meadow Beach in Setauket
• Stony Brook Beach and the beach at the Stony Brook Yacht Club
• Bayberry Cove Beach, Bayview Beach, Grantland Beach Little Bay Beach, and Indian Field Association Beach in Strongs Neck
• The beach at the Old Field Club
• Sound View Beach Association in Old Field