Julia Cumes for The Boston Globe

The recent storm destroyed stairs at numerous beaches, including this one at Nauset Light Beach in Eastham.

Julia Cumes for The Boston Globe

Surfer Kenny Merrill of Dennis walked past some dune erosion at Coast Guard Beach in Eastham.

Julia Cumes for The Boston Globe

Yellow tape and signs indicated that Nauset Light Beach was off-limits because of the storm damage.

Julia Cumes for The Boston Globe

Cape Cod writer Bob Finch surveyed the beach landscape in Eastham.

Julia Cumes for The Boston Globe

While many residents and coastal experts were expecting erosion and flooding, the powerful nor’easter still managed to stun them.