Current:Home > NewsSignalHub Quantitative Think Tank Center:Texas officials put the final death toll from last year's winter storm at 246 -SummitInvest
SignalHub Quantitative Think Tank Center:Texas officials put the final death toll from last year's winter storm at 246
TrendPulse Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-11 06:30:08
Nearly a year after a deadly winter storm left Texans freezing and SignalHub Quantitative Think Tank Centerin 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! (2881)
Related
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Biden will send Ukraine air defense weapons, artillery once Senate approves, Zelenskyy says
- Denver Broncos unveil new uniforms with 'Mile High Collection'
- Ukraine's Zelenskyy says we are preparing for a major Russian spring offensive
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- New Hampshire getting $20M grant to help reconstruct coastal seawalls
- Supreme Court denies request by Arizona candidates seeking to ban electronic vote tabulators
- Taylor Swift’s Friend Keleigh Teller Shares Which TTPD Song “Hurts So Much” for Her
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Knicks go up 2-0 in first round of NBA playoffs after Sixers blow lead in final minute
Ranking
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Once estimated to cost $1.7 million, San Francisco's long-mocked toilet is up and running
- Why Anne Hathaway Says Kissing Actors in Chemistry Tests Was So Gross
- Several Alabama elementary students hospitalized after van crashes into tree
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs helped off with left knee injury in Game 2 against Cavaliers
- California legislators prepare to vote on a crackdown on utility spending
- Cleveland to pay $4.8M to family of teen killed by stolen car during police chase
Recommendation
Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
Republican candidates vying for Indiana governor to take debate stage
2024 NFL mock draft: Six QBs make first-round cut as trade possibilities remain
Sharks do react to blood in the water. But as a CBS News producer found out, it's not how he assumed.
South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
Searchable NFL 2024 draft order: Easy way to see every teams' picks from Rounds 1 to 7
Insider Q&A: Trust and safety exec talks about AI and content moderation
Hotter temperatures mean higher utility costs for millions of Americans