What can heavy rain from tropical cyclones lead to?

Heavy rain from tropical cyclones can lead to widespread flooding due to the intense and concentrated rainfall these storms produce. When a tropical cyclone makes landfall, it brings with it storm surges and heavy rainfall that can result in sudden and severe increases in water levels in rivers, streams, and drainage systems. This overwhelming amount of water can exceed the capacity of these bodies of water and their flood management systems, leading to widespread inundation of areas that are usually dry.

In addition to flooding, heavy rainfall can also saturate the ground, making it unable to absorb any more water, which further contributes to rising water levels. The impact of this flooding can be devastating, as it can lead to property damage, erosion, and significant disruption to ecosystems and human activities. The effects often last well beyond the storm itself, as recovery from flooding can take a considerable amount of time and resources.

The other options do not accurately describe the typical consequences of heavy rainfall from tropical cyclones, as droughts and desertification refer to long-term dry conditions rather than excessive moisture, and decreased soil fertility is not a direct result of flooding but can be a longer-term effect of erosion and waterlogged conditions.