HOUSTON — An extreme arctic blast brought freezing temperatures to Houston for days, causing issues across the city.
On Wednesday, temperatures got up to over 40 degrees and brought relief to Houstonians.
City of Houston officials released a lot of information that documents what happened over the last three days.
City leaders said they got many calls and were able to handle the volume and lean on those who were there to help.
"I am immensely proud to be part of this City. From the employees and partner organizations to the resilient neighbors and community leaders, we demonstrated what it means to be Houston strong," Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management Thomas Muñoz said. "The acts of kindness, self-sacrifice, and devotion for those who are in the greatest need will always remind me what makes Houston a national example in responding and recovering from disaster events."
Here's a look at the numbers
With temperatures well above freezing and no threat of ice in the immediate forecast, at 2 p.m. Wednesday, the City closed its warming centers. City officials said they were able to transport and warm nearly 2,000 people between Monday and Wednesday.
HPD
- 123 confirmed weather-related crashes
- 300 traffic hazard calls
- 83 reports of ice on roadways
- 25 Tow and Go calls
- 95 animal cruelty calls
- 4 deceased individuals either to foul play or weather, to be determined by the medical examiner
HFD
- 34 medical events related to cold weather
- 18 carbon monoxide calls
- 110 home or building fires
- 355 car crashes, including 15 requiring extrication
311/BARC
311 call-takers coordinated at least 345 free rides to and from warming centers during the cold weather event.
Since Monday, the top 5 categories for 311 service requests have been:
- Water service: 655 service requests
- Water leak: 420 service requests
- Water main valve: 156 service requests
- Traffic signal maintenance: 124 service requests
- Sewer wastewater: 108 service requests
BARC said it responded to 174 calls for service regarding animal welfare.