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Areas associated with little to no damage were spatially clustered in the southern and central portion of the island, with most structures concentrated on the landward side of the barrier island.

These are dynamic features, naturally gaining elevation and migrating landward as sea level rises or sediment supply dwindles.

Well before the visible effects of surface flooding, sea-level rise pushes up the water table and shifts salty water landward.

A push from the sea side – whether it’s sea-level rise, storm surge or high tides – moves the balance point landward.

Rural communities are left with little choice but to also retreat landward.