The death toll from the frigid snow and ice storm of February 2021 in Texas continues to rise. The Texas Department of State Health Services added 36 more deaths to the sixth and final report, bringing the total to 246 in what was one of the worst natural disasters in the state’s history.
The analytical report was prepared by the Department’s Disaster Mortality Surveillance Unit and released on New Year’s Eve. The deaths occurred between February 11 and June 4. The fatality count includes people who were injured in the storm but did not die until later as well as those whose bodies were found after the storm, including during repairs of damaged homes.
The 246 deaths spanned 77 counties and included victims ranging from less than one year old to 102 years old. The report states 148 deaths were directly attributed to extreme cold exposure, including 146 who experienced hypothermia. The report identified 92 indirect deaths attributed to the February 2021 winter storm by circumstance and cause of death, using criteria developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Click here to view the final report.