Current:Home > InvestTexas officials put the final death toll from last year's winter storm at 246 -Mastery Money Tools
Texas officials put the final death toll from last year's winter storm at 246
View
Date:2025-04-14 12:34:44
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! (17)
Related
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Maine will give free college tuition to Lewiston mass shooting victims, families
- New evidence proves shipwreck off Rhode Island is Captain Cook's Endeavour, museum says
- Former Marine pleads guilty to firebombing Southern California Planned Parenthood clinic in 2022
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Meadow Walker Pays Tribute to Dad Paul Walker With Sweet Video 10 Years After His Death
- The successor to North Carolina auditor Beth Wood is ex-county commission head Jessica Holmes
- Top general launches investigation into allegations of alcohol consumption at key commands
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- After hearing, judge mulls extending pause on John Oates’ sale of stake in business with Daryl Hall
Ranking
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Why Khloe Kardashian “Can’t Imagine” Taking a Family Christmas Card Photo Anymore
- Dakota Johnson reveals how Chris Martin helped her through 'low day' of depression
- Nearly 2 months into the war, many Israelis have no idea if their relatives are dead or alive
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- Kathy Hilton Shares Shocking Update on Status of Feud With RHOBH Costar Lisa Rinna
- North Carolina trial judges block election board changes made by Republican legislature
- Meg Ryan Defends Her and Dennis Quaid's Son Jack Quaid From Nepo Baby Label
Recommendation
The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
New York punished 2,000 prisoners over false positive drug tests, report finds
Dakota Johnson reveals how Chris Martin helped her through 'low day' of depression
EPA proposes rule to replace all lead water pipes in U.S. within 10 years: Trying to right a longstanding wrong
South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
Top general launches investigation into allegations of alcohol consumption at key commands
Could advertisers invade our sleep? 'Dream Scenario' dives into fears, science of dreaming
Senate Judiciary Committee authorizes subpoenas for Harlan Crow and Leonard Leo in Supreme Court ethics probe