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Hell and High Water

Preparing Houston for the Next Big Storm

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the country. It's home to the nation’s largest refining and petrochemical complex, where billions of gallons of oil and dangerous chemicals are stored. And it’s a sitting duck for the next big hurricane. Why isn’t Texas ready?

13 stories published since 2016

Everyone Knew Houston’s Reservoirs Would Flood — Except for the People Who Bought Homes Inside Them

Houston Officials Hope Harvey Convinces Congress to Fund Coastal Barrier

Boomtown, Flood Town

Boomtown, Flood Town (Full Text)

Presenting Hell and High Water VR

U.S. Rep. Weber Says He’ll Work on Bill to Speed Hurricane Protection Plan

Sen. Cornyn Files Bill to Speed Texas Hurricane Study

‘We’re Sitting Ducks’

Live Forum: Protecting Houston Before the Next Big Storm

Hell and High Water

About Hell and High Water

Hell and High Water (Full Text)

How We Made Hell and High Water

What We’re Watching

During Donald Trump’s second presidency, ProPublica will focus on the areas most in need of scrutiny. Here are some of the issues our reporters will be watching — and how to get in touch with them securely.

Learn more about our reporting team. We will continue to share our areas of interest as the news develops.

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Sharon Lerner

I cover health and the environment and the agencies that govern them, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Andy Kroll

I cover justice and the rule of law, including the Justice Department, U.S. attorneys and the courts.

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Melissa Sanchez

I report on immigration and labor, and I am based in Chicago.

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Jesse Coburn

I cover housing and transportation, including the companies working in those fields and the regulators overseeing them.

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