The deadly winter storm currently rampaging throughout Texas has only been worsening with time. As the storm wears on, it’s leaving a devastating trail. An estimated 50 homes have either been damaged or destroyed, 25 fatalities have been accounted for, and several hundreds have been injured through the course of this storm, adding it to the list of the many natural disasters that have tormented Texas over the last decade.

These record-low winter temperatures were particularly devastating on the Texas power grid, which proved incapable of providing power for nearly 5 million residents at the storm’s worst. 

Frigid temperatures caused an influx in home heater usage, which then triggered a trip in several electric grids in many Texas counties. These trips left millions without power and stuck in the cold.

Areas around Galveston and Houston were ones hardest hit by the power outages, which began around 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 14. 

But thankfully, through prompt government action and smart conservation efforts, power was back in most counties after no more than a few hours. 

To help conserve energy, San Antonio International Airport canceled all its flights last Tuesday, Feb. 16, and the Dallas Stars chose to postpone their National Hockey League game, although the game was later eventually called off due to the bad weather. In addition, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson announced skylines in Dallas would go dark after nighttime to conserve energy, sparking a communal movement towards energy conservation.

Although all of these efforts significantly reduced the number of people in Texas without power, they unfortunately haven’t been enough. Currently, around 15,000 Texans are still living without power in their homes. You can see the live counter here. 

Hammered by the constant barrage of storms, the state is struggling to get the power back up and running. Texans’ frustration can only be imagined as they watch more counties around them get themselves back on the grid.

Amidst Texas’s troubles with the environment, Senator Ted Cruz was blasted for leaving his state to travel on a family vacation to Cancun. His political blunder was chastised as Texans everywhere felt betrayed by his nonchalance. Constituents, late night hosts, and politicians have remarked on Cruz’s vacation, making fun of and criticizing his bad timing.

Politically and environmentally, the state of Texas, is not in its best state. All we can do is hope for a speedy recovery for the Lone Star State.

Photo courtesy of TEXASTRIBUNE.ORG