Beaches in the Hamptons Are Back in Business
The beaches of Long Island’s East End—including one next to the home where Bill and Hillary Clinton are vacationing in the Hamptons—were hit hard by Hurricane Irene. During the storm some residents who braved the elements and headed down to check out the erosion and pounding surf found a number of beaches blocked off by police. But now that the sunshine and calm surf are back, many people are heading down once again to enjoy the sun and sand.
Most beaches from Montauk to Hampton Bays are open again. This includes such favorites as Main Beach in East Hampton—currently waving a green flag, considered the safest level—and Coopers Beach in Southampton. Flying Point and Sagg Main Beach are also open.
One beach in East Hampton that sustained notable damage was Georgica Beach, next to the Clintons’s late-summer spot and known for its beautiful jetties frequented by surfers. During the height of Hurricane Irene, water from the sea poured out into the parking lot, forcing East Hampton Village Police to block off the entrance and have a manned police unit telling people to stay off the beach. Severe erosion—there was a five-foot drop from the public access point on the road—was a major concern, but once debris is removed from Georgica Beach, officials expect to open it soon, most likely before Labor Day Weekend begins.