State closes beaches ahead of hurricane

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The state Department of Environmental Management has closed all state beaches for Friday in anticipation of Hurricane Earl.

The state said Thursday that gates will remain closed Friday at all state beaches because of the hurricane. They will reopen on Saturday only after the beaches are examined for safety concerns.

No restrooms will be open at state beaches on Friday and minimal staffing will be provided to keep patrons out of the water.

State beaches deemed safe to reopen will do so at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Officials in Middletown and Westerly have closed their town beaches on Friday, while South Kingstown officials also said they're planning to close their beaches.

The state is also requesting campers plan to leave Charlestown Breachway, East Beach, Burlingame, George Washington and Fisherman's Memorial Campground by 11 a.m. Friday for safety. Campers who need overnight camping accommodations will be able to take self-contained campers to the University of Rhode Island Fine Arts Center parking area.

Campers who have made reservations to check in on Friday or Saturday won't be able to check in until after the permit office at each campground has confirmed the campground is open and safe for occupancy. Walk-in campers won't be allowed in.

Also, state parks won't allow fishing beginning at sunset Thursday until they're determined safe for fishing on Saturday.

Colt Park will be closed at sunset on Thursday.The state Department of Environmental Management has closed all state beaches for Friday in anticipation of Hurricane Earl.