Why would a barrier island get hit by a hurricane the hardest?

Answer 1

The reason is is called Barrier is because it forms a barrier, or a protection for the mainland from storms . That is because it is further out into the ocean than the mainland, gets hit first, and usually helps to break up the violent effect of the Hurricane on the MAIN LAND!

Answer 2

The effects on a barrier island are more severe because they are usually very low, and have no real stability. Storm-surge can easily cover them, and they are very succeptible to wave erosion. They are exposed to the full effects of the wind from any direction.