Recent heavy rainfall could lead to harmful bacteria levels

Yellow flags indicate beaches that are open but under advisories whereas the red flags show closed beaches. (Graphic: Suffolk County Department of Health)

Smithtown, NY (SmithtownRadio.com) – The Suffolk County Department of Health has placed five Smithtown area beaches under advisories out of fear recent storm runoff may increase the levels of dangerous bacteria in the water.

Calahans Beach, Short Beach, Long Beach, Nissequogue River Point Beach, and Schubert Beach are all under advisories after heavy rain Tuesday night. An advisory means the beach remains open but health officials recommend swimmers stay out of the water.

Swimming had been banned in Lake Ronkonkoma for a day last week after levels of the bacteria E.Coli reached dangerous levels.