Almost a week after a generational winter storm hit Texas and other southern states, the warmer weather finally brought welcome relief on Saturday.
Fox News meteorologist Rick Reichmuth said temperatures in the south are “rising to typical levels or a few degrees above average earlier in the week”.
“There is a great heating up, and the temporary ones will be in the 60’s [Sunday]”, he said.” This will quickly melt snow and ice and allow cleaning to begin. “
Despite a return to somewhat normal temperatures, the lone star state is just beginning to deal with the aftermath of the storm, while millions are still with boiling water warnings and authorities are working to restore energy and drinking water for residents .
A woman wrapped in a blanket crosses the street near downtown Dallas, Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Temperatures dropped to single digits when snow blocked air travel and supermarkets. (AP Photo / LM Otero)
(Associated Press)
TEXAS HOSPITALS OFFER A WINTER TIME GROUP TO OBTAIN CLEAN WATER FOR PATIENTS
President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for 77 of Texas’ 254 counties on Saturday, which will make federal funds 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,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on Saturday.
Power was back for most Texans on Saturday when the Texas Electric Reliability Council announced on Friday that it was suspending emergency conditions and returning to normal operations.
Despite this, some 300,000 people were still without power in southern Saturday, most of them concentrated in Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana.
TEXAS FACED WATER CRISIS, TEMPERATURES TO SCALE AFTER STORM, MORTAL FREEZING
Texans who had energy during the past week may face unexpectedly high electricity bills as energy prices soared during the storm.
Senator 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 fraud, reports the Associated Press.
While electricity and water are working again, many Texans are still struggling to find food.
Volunteers distribute food and water at a drive-through food distribution facility at the San Antonio Food Bank, held at Rackspace Technology, Friday, February 19, 2021, in San Antonio. (AP Photo / Eric Gay)
Food banks, private and military restaurants are now working to meet the growing demand for food after the storm.
Congressman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, DN.Y., traveled to Texas and raised more than $ 3 million for the Houston Food Bank.
Approximately half of the more than 70 deaths attributed to the storm occurred in Texas. Causes include hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning and car accidents.
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Biden says he plans to visit Texas next week, although the timing is uncertain.
“I planned to be in Texas early next week, but I don’t want to be a burden. When the president arrives in any city in America, the tail is long,” said Biden on Friday. “If in fact it is concluded that I can do this without creating a burden, I plan to continue.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.