South Beach in Edgartown was closed to bathing today at noon, due to high surf.

South Beach and all of the beaches on Nantucket will be closed until Monday morning.

The announcement came from Governor Deval L. Patrick at a telephone press conference Friday, as he reported on preparations for Hurricane Bill.

The governor said that while Hurricane Bill is expected to pass from 150 to 200 miles southeast of Nantucket on Sunday, it is a dangerous storm and that all should be prudent and pay close attention to weather forecasters tracking the storm.

Based on his conversations and briefings from weather experts, the Governor said the greatest impact from the storm can be expected on Sunday morning. He said the worst conditions will probably be along the shores of southeastern Nantucket, south of Martha's Vineyard and Block Islands. He warned the storm will have a serious impact on all coastal communities. “Swimmers should stay out of the water,” he said.

The governor also reported there is not yet the need to open local emergency shelters on the Cape and Islands, though he said personnel will be stationed at the shelters. For the Vineyard those shelters are local elementary schools. “We don't expect to evacuate anyone,” the governor said.

The Governor praised the efforts of the American Red Cross and emergency personnel on the Cape and Islands for their preparation work in anticipation of the passing of the dangerous storm.