Sandy beaches are most affected by storm surges and hurricanes due to their exposed location and the shifting of sand by strong winds and waves.

Sandy beaches are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of storm surges and hurricanes because of their low-lying and exposed nature. Storm surges can erode large sections of beach, leading to loss of land, destruction of habitats, and changes in the coastal landscape. While wetlands, coral reefs, and estuaries also suffer from these storms, sandy beaches are more directly impacted by the physical forces of the storm, such as wave erosion and flooding. The shifting of sand can significantly alter the shape of beaches, which are vital for coastal protection and wildlife habitats.