WINTER STORM

Every year dozens of people die from carbon monoxide poisoning in the aftermath of storms.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas Board of Directors announced Tuesday the selection of Pablo Vegas to serve as the President and CEO for the Texas grid operator. Vegas will join ERCOT on October 1.

BARC is encouraging people to have a plan for their pets during the winter storm this week.

We want to hear from Texans about how this catastrophic event is still affecting their lives.

What’s in store for Texas this winter? Will the state experience another snow storm?

The legislative session at the Capitol comes to a close on Monday, and the power supply system in Texas is as vulnerable as ever.

A giant electric blanket.

Have you looked at your natural gas bill this month? KPRC2 Investigates looks into why some natural gas customers are suddenly being hit with higher bills. What's going on and how you can fight back.

Harris County Precinct 4 will offer Federal Emergency Management Agency application assistance this week to those affected by Winter Storm Uri.

The majority of the Texas deaths are associated with hypothermia, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The toll now officially exceeds that of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which was blamed for 68 deaths in Texas. Among them was Gilbert Rivera, 60, who told relatives after the power went out in his garage apartment that he was cold but staying bundled up. AdRivera’s family is among dozens who have filed lawsuits against electricity providers and the state’s embattled power grid, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Next week, the Texas House is expected to vote on a package in response to the storm, including efforts to winterize power plants.

HOUSTON – Five weeks ago, many Houstonians were scrambling to fix all the plumbing problems caused by the winter storm. Still, many Houstonians are still dealing with the aftermath, struggling to complete repairs on busted pipes and dealing with low water pressure. On Francis Street, in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward, several residents said they are still suffering from storm damages. Resident Freddie Alexander showed KPRC 2 16 busted pipes at his home. She said he has sympathy for him and knows he is trying to do his best, despite having busted pipes himself.

WASHINGTON – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner went before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee to testify as a witness for a hearing about the power grid failures that happened during last month’s winter storm. The hearing, called by U.S. Rep Lizzie Fletcher (D-Houston), will take a look at the statewide failures during the storm. Yet politically powerful natural gas companies, along with their regulators, have largely escaped the wrath of Gov. At least 57 people died during the winter storm that plunged large swaths of Texas into subfreezing temperatures and overwhelmed the state’s electricity infrastructure, causing massive power outages. That’s because nearly half of the total power generation capacity for the main state electricity grid was offline as weather conditions caused failures in every type of power source: natural gas, coal, wind and nuclear.

KATY – More than a month after the winter storm, Joshua Lynch of Katy is still dealing with major repairs inside his home. He’s one of thousands of residents across the Houston area who are still trying to recover from busted water pipes and other damage. Several neighbors KPRC 2 spoke with pointed out at least six homes where families have decided to leave until repairs could be started. “They haven’t been back since.”In addition to his own repairs, Lynch has been helping neighbors with theirs; from mucking homes to building new fences. “I just try to keep going.”Lynch believes it will take two to three months before his home is fully restored.

AUSTIN – The Texas attorney general sued a San Antonio hotel owner Thursday and accused the operator of price-gouging during last month’s storm that left millions of Texans without power and heat during sub-freezing temperatures. The attorney general accuses Everyoung Hospitality, owner of the La Quinta San Antonio Brook City Base, of dramatically raising prices during the storm. The man recorded a clerk explaining that prices were rising because the hotel was fully booked, “There’s a long waiting list. The man said the hotel incurred extra costs for electricity, natural gas and food during the storm, and pets owned by guests damaged carpeting. Texas law prohibits selling fuel, food, medicine, lodging and other necessities at excessive prices during state or federal disaster declarations.

During Houston’s historic winter storm last month, the Katy home that James lived in with his daughter and son-in-law lost power and later Jones eventually died. “CenterPoint Energy did not plan properly for this power outage, and CenterPoint did not care,” said Benny Agosto Jr., attorney for Jones’ family. Now, Pamela Bunkley, Jones’ daughter, and her husband are suing CenterPoint Energy for wrongful death. AdDuring that time, there was no electricity to power James’ respirator and he became weaker and weaker from the lack of oxygen. Now, James’ daughter Pamela is suing CenterPoint Energy for more than a million dollars, claiming the company caused her father’s death.

Dan Patrick and marked the first major schism between the two chambers this legislative session. Ad“The Texas Senate stood for individuals, and I’m proud of you,” Patrick told senators. “The House stood for big business.”ERCOT is a nonprofit entity that manages the power grid and controls the prices power generators charge to retail electric providers, such as power companies and city utilities. Outgoing ERCOT CEO Bill Magness and PUC Chair Arthur D’Andrea say the cap was necessary to incentivize generators to send power to the grid. Still, the rift emerging between the House and Senate marks the most visible difference yet between the two chambers, which have largely avoided open conflict this session until now.

(TEXAS TRIBUNE) – At least 57 people died in Texas as a result of last month’s winter storm, according to preliminary data the state health department released Monday. The largest number of deaths — at least 25 — occurred in Harris County, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported. The deaths occurred in at least 25 counties between Feb. 11 and March 5, the state agency said. The majority of verified deaths were associated with hypothermia, but health officials said some were also caused by motor vehicle wrecks, “carbon monoxide poisoning, medical equipment failure, falls, and fire.”The preliminary data is “subject to change” as state disaster epidemiologists gather additional information and additional deaths are verified, the agency said. The information will be updated weekly, it said.

On Thursday, Matthew McConaughey announced that he’s adding some really big names to his virtual benefit concert “We’re Texas.”McConaughey described the event as a “virtual revival where we can all come together to help Texas recover from the winter storm.”In a post on social media, McConaughey announced that these A-list celebrities had been added to the line-up:Angie HarmonChip and Joanna GainesClayton KershawDak PrescottJamie FoxJoe RoganThe Jonas BrothersJordan SpiethLiza KoshyMegan Thee StallionMichael StrahanSelena GomezStone Cold Steve AustinWoody HarrelsonTroy AikmanOn March 12, McConaughey announced the initial line-up which included music performances by Willie Nelson, Don Henley, Gary Clark Jr., George Strait, Kelly Clarkson, Khalid, Kirk Franklin, Leon Bridges, Lyle Lovett, Miranda Lambert, Post Malone and others. The event will be hosted by McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves McConaughey and will benefit the Just Keep Livin Texas Relief Fund. The concert will stream live on McConaughey’s YouTube channel at 7 p.m. on March 21. Ad“100% of all the donations will benefit so many organizations on the ground now and in the months to come,” wrote McConaughey in a social media post promoting the event. To donate or learn more, visit jklivinFoundation.org.

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has declared the correction of any billion-dollar errors related to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas as an emergency item for the 87th Legislative Session, according to a release. The emergency items include any inaccurate excessive charges or any issues regarding additional service prices after February’s deadly winter storm in Texas. In Texas, wholesale power prices are determined by supply and demand: When demand is high, ERCOT allows prices to go up. During the storm, PUC directed the grid operator to set wholesale power prices at $9,000 per megawatt-hour -- the maximum price.

Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesTexas – Millions of fish along the Texas Coast were killed during the winter storm, according to the Texas and Wildlife Department. An estimated minimum of 3.8 million fish were killed during the Feb. 2021 freeze event. According to the Texas and Wildlife Department, the massive fish kill consisted of at least 61 species. Non-recreational species contributed to 91% of the total mortality in numbers of fish. Likewise, the Upper Laguna Madre experienced black drum mortality at an estimated 82,600 fish killed.

TEXAS – Fallout from the winter storm in Texas continues to roll in as plants and refineries that are required to self-report extra emissions, report millions of pounds of pollution during a period of forced shutdowns. In Harris County alone, plants, refineries and large industrial operations reported approximately 700,000 lbs. of extra emissions of various sorts, that are most commonly branded “pollution”. In Baytown, The Exxon Mobil Olefins plant emitted approximately 3.5 times more pollution during an 11-day period bracketing the winter storm, than during the Hurricane Harvey flooding event. The increased flaring, which causes the pollution, is a typical byproduct of shutdown and startup events at refineries and plants.

HOUSTON – Galveston County Judge Mark Henry says he wants tough action. He’s blaming those deaths on power outages that lasted longer than expected during the winter storm. A criminal complaint filed Monday with the Galveston County District Attorney’s office could lead to an investigation and charges filed at the DA’s discretion. It wasn’t hard to find people who agree with Judge Henry’s decision to call for a criminal investigation. “Why were residents cut off and left off, while office building s downtown remained powered on the entire time,” Judge Henry said.

HOUSTON – Frustration is still boiling over the deadly freeze that ravaged Texas last month. A freeze, that according to ERCOT’s records, show’s a large number of facilities in the state going down. Some of them are the same ones that went down during a paralyzing North Texas freeze in 2011. Ten years ago, as a state senator, Hager authored legislation requiring the winterization of generators to avoid future failures. Ad“It’s the same lessons learned,” said deputy director of the Energy Institute at the University of Texas, Michael Webber.

HOUSTON – Shelly Botkin joins a long list of commissioners who have resigned from their roles with the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the agency that regulates the state’s electric, telecommunication, and water and sewer utilities, after the deadly winter storm in February. Botkin turned in her resignation Monday, which was effective immediately. READ: Public Utility Commission chair resigns after Texas officials criticize management of power outagesShe was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott on June 11, 2018, to serve as a commissioner on the PUC, for a term set to expire on Sept. 1, 2025, according to the Public Utility Commission. Prior to being appointed, Botkins worked for ERCOT as director of corporate communications and government relations.

HOUSTON – Houston Public Works has identified seven apartments that are still without water Friday following the last month’s winter freeze. Public works crews are monitoring the apartment buildings daily to make sure plumbers are on-site and working to restore water service, Director of Communications Alanna Reed said in an email. “The water has not been on since the first night of the freeze,” said resident Crystal Williams. The city said if anyone is still without water, they should call 311 to report the situation. It’s possible additional communities are having water issues but they may not have been reported yet, Reed said.

AUSTIN – ERCOT’s Technical Advisory Committee announced held a meeting Friday to discuss the deadly winter storm response that resulted in blackouts, which left millions of people without electricity and heat for days. The committee addressed a list of issues that will help better the company’s response. Officials said they will catalog the issues after identifying them and categorize those lists so they can be directed in the right area. The goal of the meeting is to acknowledge issues and later come up with resolutions. This story will be updated shortly.

Tide Cleaners offer free laundry services to Houston residents impacted by the winter storms. HOUSTON – Tide is stepping up for Houstonians. The laundry detergent company is providing free laundry services for those impacted by last month’s winter storm. Interested families can drop off their clothes, grab a ticket and pick up the laundry the same day until Saturday, March 6. The services are available at True Light MBC at 7120 N. Main St.Drop-offs are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.For questions, contact Tanya Debose at 281-924-5500.

Greg Abbott announced Wednesday the new chairman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas after the former chairman resigned following the deadly winter storm in February. READ: Public Utility Commission chair resigns after Texas officials criticize management of power outagesAdD’Andrea has served as a commissioner for PUC since November 2017. He was an assistant general counsel for Abbott’s office and served as an assistant solicitor general for the Office of the Attorney General of Texas. He is also a member of the State Bar of Texas. D’Andrea received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor degree from The University of Texas School of Law, according to a release.

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)HOUSTON – An estimated 25% of all Houston Water customers experienced a leak on their property during the winter storm, the city said Tuesday. The statistic is based on Houston Public Works’ data from water meter readings. Of Houston’s single-family residential customers, an estimated 50,000 had no flow or constant flow, indicating a leak on the property, the city said in a news release. The city said Houston Public Works received more than 11,000 calls for help with water service the weeks during and after the event. If you are still without water service, you’re advised to call 311.

However, passionate gardeners like Sue Schwaller understand the heartbreak of seeing your plants after a long freeze. Kornegay swears by the scratch test. That plant’s going to be just fine,” Kornegay said after performing the test on a plant at his shop. Cut the plant’s limbs or leaves only if they do not pass the scratch test or if the parts are mushy, he said. ”You just cut all of those back and those roots will be just fine,” Kornegay said.

HOUSTON – President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden traveled to Houston Friday as Texas recovers from the winter storm. Biden is expected to survey damage and recovery efforts following the deadly winter storm. White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki said this is not a partisan issue for the president. Then they will make stops at the Houston Food Bank, Harris County Emergency Operations Center before taking a tour at the FEMA super-site. “…And then, on top of that, we will be visiting one of the vaccine super sites they have located in Houston.”According to the White House, Biden will deliver remarks after touring the vaccination site.

HOUSTON – Over the past several days, people across the Houston area have been dealing with broken water pipes and damage after last week’s winter storm. On Thursday, a group of residents came out for a town hall in the Heights. Others don’t know how the process works and some haven’t even received responses from their insurance providers. They have the right to seek help.”AdThere are likely thousands seeking that same help right now: cleaning up the damage, navigating the paperwork. “Asking questions and making sure that I am taking the right steps to get my house taken care of,” Mullinax said.

Before you switch, some insurance companies plan to raise rates over the next couple of months. KPRC2 Investigates got the data from the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) about which companies are getting ready to raise their rates in March 2021 for new policies. Chubbs Lloyds Insurance Company of Texas will increase 17.8%. Those were filed long ago.”AdCompare coverageWhen you’re looking to switch, shop around and make sure you’re comparing the same amount of coverage. “Ask us to correspond with that insurance company... or maybe it’s a formal complaint,” said Gonzalez.

SUGAR LAND, Texas – The Sugar Land City Council recently approved steps to help residents impacted by last week’s winter storm. “Residents of Sugar Land have endured conditions no one should have to experience during the past week,” said Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman in a release. AdCalculations for 2021 winter averages will be based on last year’s average to ensure excessive water usage related to the recent winter storm doesn’t create higher than normal winter averages, according to the city. AdThis will include the following items through May 1:Permit fees for repairs needed as a result of the winter storm will be temporarily waived. Contractors registering with the city to perform repairs related to the winter storm will have their annual registration fee waived.

The demand for resources is high and that is why KPRC 2 and our parent company Graham Media Group have donated $25,000 to help people across our community. Houston Food BankKPRC 2 General Manager Jerry Martin presented Houston Food Bank President and CEO Brian Greene with $12,500 from the television station and Graham Media Group to help feed families. AdYou can find a Houston Food Bank partner near you through the organization’s website or by calling its helpline at 832-369-9390. Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief FundThe Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund, established by the City of Houston and Harris County, also received $12,500 from KPRC 2 and Graham Media Group. If you would like to contribute to the Winter Storm Relief Fund, you can do that HERE or by texting HOUSTONFREEZE to 51555.

Many Houstonian aquarists are finding themselves rebuilding and recovering their aquariums after the historic Texas winter storm that brought widespread power and water outages.

While many are dealing with property damages related to busted pipes, dozens of families are struggling with a much heavier burden: The loss of a loved one. Throughout Greater Houston, at least 25 people have died from the effects of the storm. The majority of them were over the age of 50, and all but five died of hypothermia in the extreme temperatures. Most deaths occurred inside homes or apartments, while others died at hospitals. AdAs a result, five board members of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas announced they would resign Wednesday.

HOUSTON – Roughly a week after the cold weather first arrived in Houston, the water service is back but some people are reporting a different smell. “The water, when it comes out, just has a funny smell almost like metal,” Lindsey Rockoff said over the phone. The Houston resident said she first noticed the smell a few days ago, after the boil water notice was lifted, even though she doesn’t have metal pipes at home. Another man emailed KPRC 2 and wrote, “my water smells fishy,” while some social media posts described the smell like bleach. People can contact Houston 311 by phone at 713-837-0311, email at 311@houstontx.gov, or through houstontx.gov/311As a safety note, Haddock said water employees will not come into your home.

KATY, Texas – Plumbers from across the county are coming to help with repairs in Texas. One plumbing company from West Virginia raised $20,000 to help Houston area families with repairs. They plan to help about 1,000 homes in the next two weeks in some of the hardest-hit areas. We raised $20,000 to help families that cannot afford plumbing repairs and those families the GofundMe will pay for,” Silberstein said. They’ve also been working in Houston and Katy around the clock and will continue for the next several weeks.

The damage to a number of school campuses has forced some school districts to extend their closures. Tomball Independent School DistrictBusted pipes from the fire suppression system sent 10,000 gallons of water gushing out of the second floor ceiling in a wing of Tomball Memorial High School. Houston Independent School DistrictThe recent subfreezing weather conditions resulted in more than 500 requests for service from HISD facilities. Repair crews are working at Briscoe Elementary, Elrod Elementary, Fondren Elementary, Henry Middle, Key Middle, Law Elementary, Long Academy, Pilgrim Elementary, Robinson Elementary, Thomas Middle, and Young Elementary. Power to Houston Independent School District campuses is restored to every location.

LA PORTE, Texas – Gratitude went much farther than the line that stretched into Sens Road Tuesday outside of La Porte Independent School District’s Support Services Center. The parking lot hosted a food distribution site that offered 400 boxes of produce to area families, including Lorena Perez. The farms provide food for La Porte ISD year-round, through The Common Market Texas, an organization that pushes sustainable farming. “We’re going to be able to feed thousands of people by the end of the week,” said Margo Robertson, outreach coordinator at The Common Market Texas. Robertson said 1,000 boxes total were donated and they’ll be distributed throughout the area, helping area families as well as farms.

Is FEMA help available for renters too? When you are applying for FEMA help you need to have your social security number, annual household income, contact information, insurance information (if you have it), and bank account information. Christine Tremonte said she is still waiting for FEMA assistance money after filing for assistance after Hurricane Harvey. Christine’s tale should not discourage you from applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA money for this freeze is more for immediate needs.

ALVIN, Texas – In Brazoria County, many residents are still dealing with the aftermath of the winter storm and its unwelcomed consequences: Broken pipes and a lack of water. This comes after last week’s winter storm left many without power. While most of the county has its power restored, residents said many neighborhoods are in need of help and resources. Mueller is like many residents in Alvin who are struggling after her pipes burst after the winter storm, despite covering them up the best she could. For the latest updates in Brazoria County, click here.

Texas’ own Matthew McConaughey announced via his social media on Sunday evening that he’ll soon be holding a virtual benefit to aid those in Texas needing assistance after the recent winter storms. In his message, McConaughey encouraged people to help others if they were capable of it. “Right now is the best time to safely check on your neighbors,” McConaughey said. In your neighborhood, across the street, wherever you can get to if you can and it is needed, please do. “(The winter storm) left a whole lot of people without power, without water, and without a whole lot of basic necessities,” he added.

The City of Houston is encouraging residents to report residential damage caused by the wintry weather last week. Houstonians can submit damages via the “Personal Property Damage Reporting” forms in both English and Spanish. Residents with broken pipes or water mains are encouraged to continue using 311 with those concerns so that Houston Public Works can isolate the leak. To keep call waiting times low, a suggested alternative is to go online with 311 at https://houstontx.gov/311 or download the Houston 311 app. AdAnd for updates to the city’s ongoing response to the winter storm, residents should continue to visit www.houstonemergency.org.

TEXAS – Governor Greg Abbott provided an update Sunday in San Antonio on the state’s efforts to provide water and other resources to communities across Texas. Abbott said power is at full capacity, leaving only about 30,000 Texans without power compared to millions early in the week. He said officials are working with cities as localities get water up and running and restored to communities across the state. Abbott said officials understand the challenges many are facing with no power or water. Abbott said some energy companies are receiving a skyrocket in electric and power bills, which he says Texans without power should not have high bills.

A state lawmaker from Fort Bend County is facing questions after leaving town this week while the region battled the effects of the winter weather. State Rep. Gary Gates, a Republican from the Richmond area, said he spent two nights in Florida beginning on Wednesday and returned to Texas on Friday. The cold weather left many in southeast Texas without power or water. AdApproximately 30 percent of his home flooded because of broken pipes, Gates said, and he lost power on Tuesday night. “I felt that I needed to be able to be in the best position to try to be somewhere where I had dependable power, dependable internet and dependable phone service,” Gates said.

Houston – The managers and 57 employees at the Dessert Gallery Bakery and Cafe in Upper Kirby are desperately hoping their stolen delivery truck is located and returned soon. After being shut down for several days by this week’s winter storm, finding the vehicle is even more critical. The truck was stolen on the first night of this week’s winter storm. Amid the freezing rain, powerless nights and busted pipes, our beloved Sweet-mobile was... Posted by Dessert Gallery Bakery & Cafe on Friday, February 19, 2021The truck was located at the store’s commissary near NRG. That puts us in a position to lose our business and we were already at risk with COVID,” Morris said.

If the recent arctic blast and power outages resulted in damage to your home or business, the state of Texas wants to hear from you. Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management are asking Texans to complete a Self Reporting Damage Survey, according to a press release. The voluntary survey does not replace reporting damage to an insurance agency and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance, according to the state. Ad“I urge Texans to fill out the Self Reporting Damage Survey and provide crucial information on the winter weather impacts to their home or property,” said Abbott. The form also asks individuals to identify the type of damage and to upload photos of the damage.

HOUSTON – There was a steady stream of people pulling up all day Friday picking up supplies. We make that connection,” said Marisa McKimm, a community outreach volunteer with the Cajun Navy. It’s people helping people.””Thanks to all the Texans and Houstonians who have kept the faith in the last five days. Tough times never last, tough Texans do,” said McIngvale. If you would like to donate and register for assistance, visit Cajun Relief.

President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with labor leaders in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)HOUSTON – President Joe Biden spoke with Gov. Greg Abbott Thursday evening regarding the severe weather storms impacting Texas, according to a press release from the White House. Biden said the federal government will continue to work with state and local authorities to provide relief and address the critical needs of residents. Earlier this week, the government sent generators, bottled water and other resources to Texas.

Gee, who was last seen by family the day before she died, was in a complex whose power had been shut off during this week’s storm. “It really doesn’t take very low temperatures to put us in a difficult situation,” said Dr. David Callender, the president and CEO of the Memorial Hermann system. They are people who need dialysis or oxygen but they don’t have power at home or at the facility they usually visit. This week, Memorial Hermann saw more than 100 patients alone. “Unfortunately it sneaks up on us and there really aren’t obvious symptoms until we may be near unconsciousness,” he said.

GALVESTON, Texas – The cold weather turned deadly in Galveston County, where the district attorney is now planning a criminal investigation. “The reports of these deaths are deeply disturbing and they absolutely deserve to be investigated,” District Attorney Jack Roady said over the phone. According to the Galveston County Medical Examiner’s office, there were two confirmed exposure deaths and one highly suspected carbon monoxide death as of Thursday. Roady said he would ask local law enforcement agencies to look into the circumstances around the weather-related deaths. However, he didn’t go into detail about any potential charges the office might pursue.

KATY, Texas – The Buc-ee’s in Katy was a popular site Wednesday night with people from across southeast Texas looking for gas. We’re just trying to scavenge around to see who has food.”This week’s storm has also created a shortage of gas. Patrick De Haan with Gas Buddy, a crowd-sharing app that helps people find the cheapest gas, said right now fuel tankers are only making 10% of their normal deliveries. Plus, the storm knocked 20% of the nation’s refineries offline, including nearly a dozen in Texas. Ad“This is an impact that is going to be the worst in the South, Texas across the region,” said DeHaan.

Darlene Chandler with Harris County Precinct 1 Animal Cruelty Unit and investigators with the Houston SPCA spent Wednesday responding to reports of animals possibly left in the cold. Investigators responded to a local auto body shop, where they found six dogs left outside including one that had died. Another call involving the Houston Humane Society resulted in a pet owner facing charges after investigators found eight dogs left outside. AdAnimal cruelty investigators want pet owners to know they could be in serious trouble for leaving their pets out in the elements. If you spot an animal left out in the cold or suspect animal cruelty, you can reach out to Harris County Precinct 1 Animal Cruelty Hotline at (832) 927-1659 or the Houston SPCA at 713-869-7722.

“This is an absolute public health disaster.”“This carbon monoxide is … a poison that deprives your brain and your heart and your other vital organs of oxygen,” he added. “And children are actually more at risk from some of the long-term brain damage.”Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said more than 300 reports of carbon monoxide poisoning were reported Tuesday. The Houston Fire Department reported 90 emergency calls of the poisoning, including 14 at one station in Cy-fair. “[A]s the level of carbon monoxide goes up in your blood, your symptoms become much worse. “So even folks who don’t die, they can still have some long-term, permanent brain damage as a result of the poisoning if it is not quickly identified and then remedied.”

But why downtown Houston empty office buildings lit up like nothing is happening? “... why millions are without power but downtown is lit up like a Christmas tree.......” William Tischina posted on KPRC 2 Facebook page. “Why is downtown lit up when people are told to conserve power… Unacceptable!” said another KPRC 2 viewer. KPRC 2 was able to grab a photo of downtown Houston:Downtown Houston lit up during major power outage due to winter storm on Feb 15, 2021. I love our skyline at night, but we all need to do our parts to conserve energy.

HOUSTON – More than 1 million customers in the Houston area are left without power in the coldest stretch of weather in decades. “The private company providers and generators of that power, their operations totally froze up,” Abbott said. He posted a Tweet that said, “Neither the City of Houston nor Harris County controls or regulates ERCOT or the power generators. “The ERCOT market design is fatally flawed,” said Ed Hirs, the University of Houston energy fellow. Hirs said those generators typically focus their efforts on the summer months -- when they expect their power plants to have high demand.

“This has been the coldest it’s been for a good while,” said Pearland resident Tilman Walker III. After losing power around 5:30 p.m. Monday, Walker went outside to a car to charge his phone. “This is why I live here in Houston cause I don’t like the cold,” said Pearland resident Alexa Ramirez. Ramirez and Camilo Piragauta went to the store in search of snacks and better cell phone service. The only way to charge is to get in the car, turn on the car, wait there,” Piragauta said.

A look at the Houston skyline during this snow dayHOUSTON – As the freezing rain and snow flurries sprinkle down across the Houston area, KPRC 2 viewers and employees are sending in photos of the winter storm. Posted by Cleveland TX Fire Department on Monday, February 15, 2021Conroeproudmommy ConroeCypressCypress on Feb. 15, 2021 (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. Cypress on Feb. 15, 2021 (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. Onalaskacman OnalaskaRichmondRichmond on Feb. 15, 2021 (Copyright 2021 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.) SeabrookSeabrook on Feb. 15, 2021 (Copyright 2021 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

HOUSTON – People across the Houston area rushed to get last-minute food and supplies Saturday afternoon, as they prepare to hunker down ahead of the upcoming winter storm. Reyes said he kept his grocery list simple and just picked up what he needed for a few days. Some shoppers said the winter weather was worrisome because it not often we are forced to deal with it. “I come from a cold place so It’s really not a big deal,” Wooten said. Ad“Bring your pets inside, making sure your pipes are wrapped and making sure you’re taking care of the plants,” said Arthur.

HOUSTON – One day after declaring a state of emergency in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott sent a message to residents to avoid all travel as a historic winter storm approaches. “People think they will know how to drive on ice and there have been some people who’ve driven on ice before and snow before,” said Abbott, during an emergency response press conference in Austin on Saturday afternoon. “But these conditions are so unprecedented for so many reasons in the state of Texas, there will be so many other people who have never driven on ice before. And it could be one of the most hazardous things that you can do.”If you get stranded, Abbott says to call the roadside assistance. Here is the full press conference:

HOUSTON – Standing side by side, community leaders spent Friday afternoon stressing the importance of residents needing to get ready for the Arctic blast on the way. And so today’s message is about urging everybody to take action right now to prepare,” Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said. According to city and county leaders, they’re working alongside TxDot to keep an eye on the roads and treat any possible trouble spots. Both the county judge and mayor said COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites will be closed in the comings days and appointments will also be rescheduled because of the weather. As they plan to respond to any potential power outages, they want customers to also be ready.