Devastating winter snow storm hits Texas

For the first time in history, the state of Texas was deemed under its first winter storm warning with widespread power outages and approximately 58 dead from February 13 to February 17, 2021.

During this dire winter storm, millions of Texans suffered from power outages as they lost access to heat in cold temperatures of -2 degrees. As a result, the state’s power plants took an even harder hit when they were forced to go offline. When they could not acquire enough profit, the demand for natural gas sky-rocketed. If this wasn’t enough, power failures led to ongoing water crises because of burst pipes and the crashing of the largest water-treatment facility; no running water was available, and if there was water, power was needed to boil it before usage.

Along with the absence of necessitated water, the conditions of highways and roads forced Texans to stay at home for days without access to non-perishable food items and groceries. Because of these factors, numerous succumbed to hypothermia, car crashes, carbon monoxide poisoning (from vehicles, generators, and house fires), and drownings.

Although the storm in Texas has ceased, the devastation continues to persist regarding clean and running water and record-low temperatures. As more citizens are gaining back power, another problem has arisen: massive electricity bills. Despite these conditions, regular U.S. citizens have been contributing towards the welfare of Texas after the disaster. For instance, multiple donations have been made towards the Houston Food Bank, Austin Disaster Relief Network, San Antonio Food Bank, Feeding Texas, and Front Steps, which will provide Texans with meals, emergency housing, warm blankets, and necessary supplies such as toiletries.

This crippling winter snowstorm has made historic damages, but with many efforts, Americans hope that Texas will commence towards full recovery.