Extreme Weather Exacerbated by Climate Change Affects Millions of Texas Residents, Homes, Businesses

AUSTIN — Texans are reeling from extreme weather that has left millions of Texans without power, out of work and school, and at least seven dead in the past three weeks. The state is also bracing for what is projected to be the worst hurricane season recorded. This is shaping to be the most difficult summer Texans have ever faced, with extreme heat, wildfires, and drought occurring with more frequency and intensity due to climate change. 

“State Republicans have done nothing to protect Texans from the perils of extreme weather. Texas Governor Abbott said he fixed the grid, but Texans know that’s not true. The solution is President Biden’s clean energy plan, which aims to modernize the power grid, invest in renewable energy, and create jobs that support resilient infrastructure,” said André Crombie, Interim States Managing Director at Climate Power. “Donald Trump has pledged to scrap President Biden’s policies while asking for $1 billion in campaign cash from Big Oil Executives.”

While Greg Abbott failed to ensure that Texas’s grid was ready for extreme weather, oil executive Kelcy Warren donated $1 million to the Abbott campaign. Kelcy also hosted a fundraiser for Donald Trump alongside fellow oil executive Harold Hamm, one of the gas industry leaders Trump tasked with raising him a billion dollars to kill Biden’s clean energy investments.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ACROSS TEXAS

In Dallas, hundreds of thousands of people woke up without power as severe storms caused outages.

• “…more than half a million homes and businesses in North Texas are without power this morning.” [FOX4, May 28, 2024]
• “There was so much damage to a building on Harry Hines Boulevard in Dallas that people calling 911 reported it had collapsed. First responders found the walls of the building still intact, but the strong winds had blown a significant amount of debris off the roof.”[FOX4, May 28, 2024]

In Central Texas, meteorologists issued a significant weather alert for Central Texas, indicating an “enhanced risk” (3 out of 5) for severe storms throughout the region. Residents were warned to prepare for damaging winds, large hail, isolated tornadoes, and localized flooding.

• “Austin can expect a one-two punch in severe weather Tuesday as severe thunderstorms and excessive heat move into the area.” [Austin American-Statesman, May 28, 2024]
• Severe weather is becoming commonplace in Central Texas this time of year. At least seven people were killed in North Texas late Saturday when an EF-2 tornado ripped through Cooke County, and tornadoes have also killed people in surrounding states, including Oklahoma and Arkansas, in recent weeks. [Austin American-Statesman, May 28, 2024]

In Houston, residents are recovering from extreme weather earlier this month. 

• “Thousands were left without power after a severe derecho, or windstorm, tore through the Houston area a little more than a week ago. The fierce winds ripped trees from the ground, toppled power lines and smashed windows in under an hour, reaching gusts of up to 100 mph, according to the National Weather Service.” [Houston Landing, May 25, 2024]
• “Maria Soler, 71, lost power 11 days ago when windstorms hit the area and ripped her utility meter from the side of her house. Soler, a diabetic, said she has struggled to stay cool and refrigerate her insulin. “I never thought I would be in this spot, but I am, and it’s very hard,” said Soler.” [KPRC, May 27, 2024]

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