Power companies and Texas officials say restoration efforts could take days. Experts say Texans without electricity are facing a dangerous situation.
Alejandra Martinez
Alejandra Martinez is a Fort Worth-based environmental reporter. She’s covered the impacts of petrochemical facilities on Black and brown communities, including investigating a chemical fire at an industrial complex and how the state's air monitoring system has failed Latino communities. Her work on climate change includes exploring the health effects of extreme heat and how extended droughts affect water resources. Before joining the Tribune in 2022, Alejandra was an accountability reporter at KERA, where she began as a Report for America Corps Member and then covered Dallas City Hall. She also has worked as an associate producer at WLRN in South Florida. A Houston native, Alejandra studied journalism at the University of Texas at Austin and speaks fluent Spanish.
Posted in
Guides
How to stay safe in the Texas heat
As climate change pushes temperatures higher, it’s even more important to remember how dangerous the heat is and take steps to protect yourself.
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Graphics and data reporting
Texas weather extremes likely to become normal, scientists say
Climate scientists say that extreme rain and drought are likely to become more common due to climate change.
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Environment
U.S. Supreme Court pauses federal smog control plan that Texas opposed
Environmental experts say the ruling will pause measures to reduce smog in some states and influence suits in lower courts.
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Environment
U.S. Supreme Court blocks the state’s Rio Grande water deal with New Mexico
Water law experts say the Supreme Court’s recent decision will set a precedent for the federal government to intervene in water conflicts between states moving forward.
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Economy
Texas farmers face mounting expenses as droughts worsen
Rising temperatures intensify drought and increase costs for the heavily subsidized crop insurance program.
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Environment
Six Texas freshwater mussels, the “livers of the rivers,” added to endangered species list
Freshwater mussels can pump and filter eight to 15 gallons of water a day, cleaning rivers and streams. Six of the 50 mussels that call Texas home are federally protected by Monday’s listing.
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2024 Texas Elections
Severe storms knock out power at North Texas voting sites
At least 76 polling places in four counties closed after the weather left hundreds of thousands of North Texans without power.
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Environment
Texas’ first-ever statewide flood plan estimates 5 million live in flood-prone areas
The state’s flood plan shows which Texans are most at risk of flooding and suggests billions of dollars more are needed for flood mitigation projects.
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Environment
Federal forecasters predict the highest number of storms ever for 2024 season
Wind changes caused by the La Niña climate pattern and warmer-than-average ocean temperatures are expected to be major drivers to this year’s hurricane season.