Current:Home > StocksTexas officials put the final death toll from last year's winter storm at 246 -Ascend Wealth Education
Texas officials put the final death toll from last year's winter storm at 246
View
Date:2025-04-15 02:30:03
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! (666)
Related
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- We couldn't get back: Americans arrive in U.S. from Israel after days of travel challenges
- Natalee Holloway Case: Suspect Expected to Share Details of Her Death 18 Years After Disappearance
- As Biden heads to Israel and Jordan, aid is held up for a Gaza on the verge of total collapse
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- Poland’s voters reject their right-wing government, but many challenges lie ahead
- Californians plead guilty in $600 million nationwide catalytic converter theft scheme
- A Tonga surgeon to lead WHO’s Western Pacific after previous director fired for racism, misconduct
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- Polish election marks huge win for Donald Tusk as ruling conservatives lose to centrist coalition
Ranking
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Mandy Moore Reveals What She Learned When 2-Year-Old Son Gus Had Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome
- Retail sales rise solid 0.7% in September, reflecting US shoppers’ resilience despite higher prices
- Trump set to return to the civil fraud trial that could threaten his business empire
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- In Brazil’s Amazon, rivers fall to record low levels during drought
- Brock Bowers has ankle surgery. What it means for Georgia to lose its standout tight end
- UN Security Council meets to vote on rival Russian and Brazilian resolutions on Israel-Hamas war
Recommendation
Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
Colombia signs three-month cease-fire with FARC holdout group
Medicare Advantage keeps growing. Tiny, rural hospitals say that's a huge problem
Versailles Palace evacuated again for security alert amid high vigilance in France against attacks
Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
The Commerce Department updates its policies to stop China from getting advanced computer chips
Math disabilities hold many students back. Schools often don’t screen for them
Will Smith Turns Notifications Off After Jada Pinkett Smith Marriage Revelations