Nearly a week after a generational winter storm that swept through Texas and other southern states, warmer weather on Saturday brought welcome relief.
Fox News meteorologist Rick Reichmuth said temperatures in the south rose to typical levels or a few degrees above average early in the week.
“A big warming is taking place, and the temps will be by the 60s [Sunday]”he said.” This will allow the snow and ice to melt quickly and start clearing up. “
Despite the return to somewhat normal temperatures, the lone star status is beginning to deal with the waste of the storm as millions are still on boiling water notices and officials are restoring power and clean water to residents.
A woman wrapped in a blanket crosses the street near downtown Dallas, Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Temperatures fell in single digits when snow closed air travel and grocery stores. (AP Photo / LM Otero)
(Associated Press)
TEXAS HOSPITALS TRADE WINTER WEATHER BROWN TO CLEAN WATER TO PATIENTS
President Joe Biden on Saturday declared a major disaster for 77 of Texas’ 254 counties, which will make federal funding available to help clean up.
“While this partial approval is an important first step, Texas will continue to work with our federal partners to ensure that all eligible Texans have access to the relief they need,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. , Said Saturday.
Power was up and running again for most Texans on Saturday, as the Texas Electric Reliability Board announced Friday that it was lifting emergencies and back to normal.
Despite this, about 300,000 people were without power in the south on Saturday, most of whom concentrated in Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana.
TEXAS FACE WATER CRISIS, TEMPERATURE TO CLIMB TO STORMS, DEADLY DEEPLY
Texans who did have power over the past week may experience unexpectedly high electricity bills as energy prices soared during the storm.
Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., Sent a letter to federal energy agencies on Saturday urging them to investigate the increase in natural gas as a potential price increase, the Associated Press reported.
While electricity and water are coming online again, many Texans are still struggling to find food.
Volunteers hand out food and water at a San Antonio Food Bank drive-through food distribution site held at Rackspace Technology on Friday, February 19, 2021 in San Antonio. (AP Photo / Eric Gay)
Food banks, private restaurants and the military are now working to meet the rising demand for food in the wake of the storm.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, DN.Y., traveled to Texas and raised more than $ 3 million for the Houston Food Bank.
About half of the more than 70 deaths attributed to the storm occurred in Texas. The causes include hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning and car accidents.
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Biden says he plans to visit Texas next week, though the timing is uncertain.
“I was planning to be in Texas at the beginning of next week, but I do not want to be a burden. If the president lands in any city in America, it has a long tail,” Biden said Friday. “If it’s actually come to the conclusion that I can do it without creating a burden, I plan to go.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.