Current:Home > reviewsTexas officials put the final death toll from last year's winter storm at 246 -MarketLink
Texas officials put the final death toll from last year's winter storm at 246
Robert Brown View
Date:2025-04-11 03:55:53
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! (692)
Related
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- Tom Brady Shares “Best Part” of His Retirement—And It Proves He's the MVP of Dads
- Maggie Smith Dead at 89: Downton Abbey Costars and More Pay Tribute
- A rare condor hatched and raised by foster parents in captivity will soon get to live wild
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- Jana Kramer Reveals She Lost “Almost Half Her Money” to Mike Caussin in Divorce
- Billie Jean King nets another legacy honor: the Congressional Gold Medal
- Walz has experience on a debate stage pinning down an abortion opponent’s shifting positions
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Sharpton and Central Park Five members get out the vote in battleground Pennsylvania
Ranking
- Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
- Shohei Ohtani 50-50 home run ball: Auction starts with lawsuit looming
- Walz has experience on a debate stage pinning down an abortion opponent’s shifting positions
- Ohio’s fall redistricting issue sparked a fight over one word. So what is ‘gerrymandering,’ anyway?
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Port workers strike could snarl the supply chain and bust your holiday budget
- Fifth Harmony Alums Camila Cabello & Normani Reunite for First Time in 6 Years at Paris Fashion Week
- Michael Kors’ Secret Sale on Sale Is Here—Score an Extra 20% off Designer Handbags & More Luxury Finds
Recommendation
Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
Child care or rent? In these cities, child care is now the greater expense
Trees down: Augusta National 'assessing the effects' of Hurricane Helene
Friend says an ex-officer on trial in fatal beating of Tyre Nichols did his job ‘by the book’
Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
Suspect killed and 2 Georgia officers wounded in shooting during suspected gun store burglary
Court revives lawsuit of Black pastor who was arrested while watering his neighbor’s flowers
Zendaya’s New Wax Figure Truly Rewrites the Stars