By Mike Busch

We have been monitoring the progress of the emergency dredging operation that is removing sand from Moriches Inlet and depositing it around Smith Point Beach.

On Tuesday we posted video and images of the operation working in the middle of Moriches Inlet here.

On Thursday evening we got our first  look from the Smith Point side where the sand is being pumped onto the beach and spread out with Caterpillar D6T tractors.

You can also see the  CR McCaskill working outside the inlet, which should make boaters happy knowing the treacherous shoals that built up in the mouth of the inlet are being removed.

Unfortunately we are expecting a large storm over the weekend with a coastal flood watch in effect for Saturday with tides 2 to 3 feet above normal and breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet.   One concern is this fresh sand flowing west and clogging the Old Inlet Wilderness Breach.

We will have weather updates and three live cameras from Davis Park if you want to keep an eye on the conditions on the FireIsland and Beyond Weather Page here.

More Images on Page 2