Several dozen Massachusetts beaches are closed off on Wednesday, as cooler conditions prevail and the coast sees risky conditions arise due to the effects of Hurricane Erin.

Exactly 60 beaches are closed to the public on Wednesday, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). Most of these closures are the result of high bacteria levels in the water.

With recent storms and scattered rain in the forecast, some beaches have closed off due to storm/rainwater runoff, a primary factor in beach closures, a DPH spokesperson told MassLive. Other factors like agricultural runoff, sanitary sewer overflows, leaking sewer pipes and wildlife or animal waste can also cause beaches to close.

People exposed to water with high levels of bacteria can fall ill and develop gastroint

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