Community Corner

Stay Off Monterey Co. Beaches: Health Officials

Due to recent rains, beach visitors advised to avoid Carmel, Seaside, Pacific Grove, Big Sur and Pebble Beach due to possible contanimants.

MONTEREY COUNTY, CA – Monterey County residents are asked to avoid local beaches until the rain is over this week, public health officials reported.

Rain can wash bacteria, virus and chemicals into storm drains on the beach and contaminate ocean water, according to public health officials.

The National Weather Service has forecasted a 50 percent chance for rain this afternoon and a 20 percent chance for tonight.

Find out what's happening in Capitola-Soquelfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Beach visitors can avoid risking illness by waiting at least three days after the rain to visit the beach, public safety officials said.

The advisory is posted for all beaches in Monterey County, which includes Carmel, Seaside, Pacific Grove, Big Sur and Pebble Beach.

Find out what's happening in Capitola-Soquelfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

---Bay City News/Image via Ashley Ludwig