CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Environmental officials are urging caution on and around state’s lakes.

The state Department of Environmental Services says Lake Winnipesaukee already was 8 inches above full before this week’s rains hit. They expect the water level to rise another 3 to 5 inches.

Opechee, Winnisquam and Silver lakes also already were well above normal.

Officials say high water combined with the gusty winds anticipated during the coming days could cause shoreline erosion and property damage.

AP-ES-10-25-05 1832EDT