What is one direct effect of a hurricane on coastal regions?

A hurricane has a significant and direct impact on coastal regions, one of which is coastal flooding. Hurricanes bring heavy rains and strong winds, which can cause storm surges that lead to rapid increases in sea levels. This surge inundates coastal areas, potentially resulting in severe flooding that can damage property, destroy habitats, and displace communities. The combination of high tides and intense precipitation associated with hurricanes exacerbates this issue, leading to more extensive flooding compared to normal conditions.

In contrast, the other options are not direct effects of hurricanes. Extended drought is characterized by a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, which contradicts the heavy precipitation typical of hurricanes. Heat waves are periods of excessively hot weather, usually unrelated to the occurrence of hurricanes. Wildfires generally arise from dry conditions and are driven by heat; they are not directly caused by hurricanes, which tend to bring moisture rather than dry conditions. Thus, coastal flooding is the accurate choice as it directly results from the intense weather associated with hurricanes.