Thunderstorms and rain are expected to exit southern New England on Thursday morning, but despite improving weather conditions, several beaches are closed off to the public.

On Thursday, 49 Massachusetts beaches are closed to the public, most of them due to high levels of bacteria in the water, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). This includes Dartmouth’s Moses Smith Creek, American Legion Park in Georgetown, Sesachacha Pond in Natick and Lulu Pond Beach in Pittsfield.

Other beaches closed off on Thursday were due to harmful cyanobacteria, or algae, blooms. Algae produce toxins in the water and can cause harm to people and animals who enter the water.

Another closure at Walden Pond State Reservation is due to ongoing construction on a new, state-of-the-a

See Full Page