Current:Home > ContactTexas officials put the final death toll from last year's winter storm at 246 -FinanceMind
Texas officials put the final death toll from last year's winter storm at 246
View
Date:2025-04-18 04:29:35
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! (76661)
Related
- Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
- Kylie Kelce Pokes Fun at Herself and Husband Jason Kelce in Moving Commencement Speech
- Pride House on Seine River barge is inaugurated by Paris Olympics organizers
- Dog food sold by Walmart is recalled because it may contain metal pieces
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- How top congressional aides are addressing increased fears they have for safety of lawmakers and their staff
- Ben Affleck Detailed His and Jennifer Lopez's Different Approaches to Privacy Before Breakup Rumors
- Red Lobster closings: See which locations are shutting down as company files for bankruptcy
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- Drake Bell Details “Gruesome” Abuse While Reflecting on Quiet on Set Docuseries
Ranking
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Patricia Heaton Defends Harrison Butker Amid Controversial Speech Backlash
- Company wins court ruling to continue development of Michigan factory serving EV industry
- Pope Francis says social media can be alienating, making young people live in unreal world
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- Rep. Elise Stefanik rebukes Biden and praises Trump in address to Israeli parliament
- Blue Origin shoots 6 tourists into space after nearly 2-year hiatus: Meet the new astronauts
- Insider Q&A: CIA’s chief technologist’s cautious embrace of generative AI
Recommendation
Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
3 killed, 3 others wounded following 'chaotic' shooting in Ohio; suspect at large
Supreme Court turns away challenge to Maryland assault weapons ban
EPA warns of increasing cyberattacks on water systems, urges utilities to take immediate steps
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Summer reading isn’t complete without a romance novel, says author Kirsty Greenwood
House GOP says revived border bill dead on arrival as Senate plans vote
Summer reading isn’t complete without a romance novel, says author Kirsty Greenwood