It is too early to assess the damage this weekend though.
Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina on Thursday, bringing catastrophic wind and rainfall battering the coast.
Scrutiny has recently increased over laws that prevent state agencies from drafting policies based on climate science models that take into account human-caused global warming that result in devastating sea-level rise.
The North Carolina Coastal Resource Commission published a report in 2010 warning sea levels could rise 39 inches by 2100.
They also said expensive waterfront properties could face extensive damage.
Rob Moore, a senior policy analyst at the Natural Resources Defence Council, said these homes are “perfect examples of what we’ll see as sea levels continue to rise.”
Many residents are already aware of the dangers posed by the rising sea levels after experiencing repeated flooded.
They have also been bailed out by taxpayers on multiple occasions through the federal flood insurance program.
The program is more than $20billion in debt and is required for flood-prone homes.
High risk areas include along the Pamlico River and North Topsail Beach.
As a result of the insurance program, a property worth just $37,125 (£28,404) has received $77,000 (£58,913) in payments after being flooded.
All of the buildings in North Carolina amount to the value of at least $280million (£214.23million) and have received $164million (£125.48million) in payments, according to data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
It is expected the amount will significantly increase.
The areas worst hit by the hurricane are some of the most vulnerable to rising sea levels in the US.
Some parts of the North Topsail Beach are being extensively diminished due to rising sea waters.
As much as 5 feet per year are being eroded from the beach as residents grow more concerned about the safety of their homes.