Current:Home > ContactTexas officials put the final death toll from last year's winter storm at 246 -GrowthInsight
Texas officials put the final death toll from last year's winter storm at 246
View
Date:2025-04-14 05:56:55
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! (4)
Related
- Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
- Titanic expedition might get green light after company says it will not retrieve artifacts
- North Carolina labor chief rejects infectious disease rule petitions for workplaces
- Internet mocks Free People 'micro' shorts, rebranding item as 'jundies,' 'vajeans,' among others
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- Kristen Stewart on her 'very gay' new movie 'Love Lies Bleeding': 'Lesbians overload!'
- Zayn Malik Shares Rare Insight Into Life Away From Spotlight With His Daughter Khai
- Neil Young is returning to Spotify after boycotting platform over Joe Rogan and COVID-19 misinformation
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Want to coach your alma mater in women's college basketball? That'll be $10 million
Ranking
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- Why FKA Twigs Doesn't Regret Burning Off Her Skin After Bleached Eyebrows Mishap
- 'Keep watching': Four-time Pro Bowl RB Derrick Henry pushes back on doubters after Ravens deal
- Number of Americans filing for jobless benefits remains low as labor market continues to thrive
- Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
- What would Pat Summitt think of Iowa star Caitlin Clark? Former Tennessee players weigh in
- College swimmers, volleyball players sue NCAA over transgender policies
- A Wisconsin ruling on Catholic Charities raises the bar for religious tax exemptions
Recommendation
NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
Number of Americans filing for jobless benefits remains low as labor market continues to thrive
Iowa Republican shelves bill to criminalize death of an “unborn person” because of IVF concerns
Oregon GOP senators barred from reelection over walkout seek statewide office instead
Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
Ally of late Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny attacked in Lithuania
Why FKA Twigs Doesn't Regret Burning Off Her Skin After Bleached Eyebrows Mishap
Grey’s Anatomy Stars Share Behind-the-Scenes Memories Before Season 20 Premiere