Current:Home > MarketsTexas officials put the final death toll from last year's winter storm at 246 -ProgressCapital
Texas officials put the final death toll from last year's winter storm at 246
View
Date:2025-04-12 12:43:34
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! (82493)
Related
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Student-run dance marathon raises $16.9 million in pediatric cancer funds
- Kelly Osbourne says Ozempic use is 'amazing' after mom Sharon's negative side effects
- Kansas City woman's Donna Kelce mug sells like wildfire, helps pay off student lunch debt
- Michigan lawmaker who was arrested in June loses reelection bid in Republican primary
- A high cost of living and lack of a pension strain teachers in Alaska. Would bonuses help keep them?
- Michael Strahan's daughter Isabella shares health update after chemo: 'Everything hurts'
- Celebrate Presidents Day by learning fun, interesting facts about US presidents
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- Latest MLB free agent rumors: Could Blake Snell, Cody Bellinger finally sign soon?
Ranking
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Major New England airports to make tens of millions of dollars in improvements
- 'Sounded like a bomb': Ann Arbor house explosion injures 1, blast plume seen for miles
- Lenny Kravitz Details His Inspirational Journey While Accepting Music Icon Award at 2024 PCAs
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- Virginia house explosion kills 1 firefighter, injures over a dozen other people
- 2024 People’s Choice Awards Red Carpet Fashion: See Every Look as the Stars Arrive
- Sacramento State's Matt Masciangelo was hit an astounding 8 times in 9 at-bats
Recommendation
The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
Stock market today: Asian shares are mostly higher as Chinese markets reopen after Lunar New Year
What to know about the debut of Trump's $399 golden, high-top sneakers
Retiring early? Here are 3 ways your Social Security benefits could be affected
Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
Horoscopes Today, February 17, 2024
Biden blames Putin for Alexey Navalny's reported death in Russian prison
When is the NBA All-Star Game? And other answers on how to watch LeBron James in record 20th appearance