February 2021 winter storm killed more than 200 people in Texas, new report says
A new report by the Texas Department of State Health Services says more than 200 individuals, including 11 in Tarrant County, died because of the February winter storm that devastated the state nearly a year ago.
The report, which was released Friday, states that 246 deaths across 77 counties were confirmed to be winter storm related. Out of those deaths, 229 were confirmed to be Texas residents.
“Deaths during disasters can be directly or indirectly related to the disaster itself,” the report says. “These are all important to record and analyze to help individuals, communities, and entities understand better how to prepare themselves for potential future disasters.”
More than half of the winter storm-related deaths were caused by hypothermia or frostbite, according to the report. Other major circumstances of death include exacerbation of a pre-existing illness, motor vehicle accidents and carbon monoxide poisoning.
The majority of deaths occurred among males, non-Hispanic whites and those aged 60 years and older.
Across the state, six counties had deaths in the double digits, with Harris County reporting the most at 43, Travis County reporting 28 and Dallas County reporting 22.
Last year’s February storm left millions without water and electricity for several days, and some reports claim the actual death toll caused by the storm could be much higher that the state’s count.
