This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Popular Beach Takes a Beating

East Beach in Rhode Island is showing the effects of both Tropical Storm Irene and Hurricane Katia.

The surf is up in neighboring Rhode Island, a very popular beach destination trip for area residents. The effects from both Tropical Storm Irene and Hurricane Katia on East Beach near Watch Hill, RI, are very apparent. Katia, only 50-60 miles offshore of the Rhode Island coast this morning, was kicking up 6-8 foot breakers regularly yesterday, with some waves swelling to 10-12 feet. The effects on the shoreline there are obvious. Beach erosion has occurred. The sandy area is clearly much narrower than it has been in recent weeks. The redwood fencing, erected to protect the rebuilding of dunes at the very rear of the beach, has been destroyed by big surf that has deposited debris all over the beach. The debris includes a 60 foot long wooden pole (see photo). The concrete seawall that runs westward from the beach toward the lighthouse still stands but is taking a pounding (see photos in the gallery). The 25-30 visitors there yesterday afternoon had to set their chairs at the extreme back of the beach in order not to get wet.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?