Current:Home > MyTexas officials put the final death toll from last year's winter storm at 246 -WealthTrack
Texas officials put the final death toll from last year's winter storm at 246
View
Date:2025-04-14 05:35:45
Nearly a year after a deadly winter storm left Texans freezing and in the dark, state officials say they know the final death toll.
The Texas Department of State Health Services adjusted the number of people who died from last February's storm to 246 people — up from July's tally of 210. The victims, who spanned 77 counties in Texas, ranged in age from less than one year old to 102.
Last February's massive winter storm spread ice, snow, and freezing temperatures throughout Texas. The state's weak utility grid couldn't stand up to the record-breaking cold and left millions without power for days.
Most of the storm's victims died from hypothermia, according to the state's report.
Dozens of people also died from accidents on roads, falls, and fires. The prolonged loss of power also led to some victims losing access to necessary medical equipment, such as oxygen tanks or dialysis machines. At least 19 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning as they tried to heat their homes or cars as the unrelenting cold continued.
The state's new report counts victims of the storm as those who were found after the storm passed and people who were injured during the storm, but died at a later date.
Since the deadly blackout, regulators in Texas have implemented changes forcing power companies to ramp up weatherization requirements at their facilities. So far, officials there are feeling confident that the "lights will stay on," according to Texas Public Radio.
The state's Public Utility Commission says it is enforcing those new regulations. Power plants had until December to file winter preparedness reports, though 13 of them did not do so.
veryGood! (924)
Related
- Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
- Activists who engage with voters of color are looking for messages that will resonate in 2024
- Michael Pittman Jr. clears protocol again; Colts WR hopeful for return Sunday
- Trump's eligibility for the ballot is being challenged under the 14th Amendment. Here are the notable cases.
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- Taiwan’s presidential candidates emphasize peace in relations with Beijing
- Iowa man claims $250,000 from scratch-off lottery win just ahead of Christmas holiday
- Mexico and Venezuela restart repatriation flights amid pressure to curb soaring migration to U.S.
- Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
- How J.J. McCarthy's pregame ritual will help Michigan QB prepare to face Alabama
Ranking
- Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
- Federal agency orders recall of hazardous magnetic-ball kits sold at Walmart.com
- One day after Ukraine hits Russian warship, Russian drone and artillery attacks knock out power in Kherson
- NFL on Saturday: Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions with playoff seeding at stake
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- 'Wait Wait' for December 30, 2023: Happy Holidays from Wait Wait!
- NYE 2023 is on a unique date that occurs once every 100 years: Here's what 12/31/23 means.
- BlendJet recalls nearly 5 million blenders after reports of property damage, injuries
Recommendation
Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
Rev. William Barber II says AMC theater asked him to leave over a chair; AMC apologizes
Frank Thomas blasts 'irresponsible' Fox News after network mistakenly claimed he died
China to ease visa requirements for U.S. travelers in latest bid to boost tourism
Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
Peach Bowl boasts playoff-caliber matchup between No. 10 Penn State and No. 11 Ole Miss
Top global TikToks of 2023: Mr. Bean of math, makeup demo, capybaras!
Happy birthday, LeBron! With 40 just around the corner, you beat Father Time