WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — On Saturday, Williamson County confirmed the death of a 64-year-old man from hypothermia during the winter storms.
“Unfortunately, we can attribute at least one loss of life to this weather event,” said Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said.
According to Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, he was the subject of a welfare concern and was found unresponsive. WCSO urges citizens to call for assistance if they need help and to also utilize warming centers.
Response efforts in Williamson County
The county issued a disaster declaration as the historic winter weather event rolled in. The Williamson County Office of Emergency Management also activated the county’s emergency operations center to respond.
Between Thursday, Feb. 11 and Friday, Feb. 19 at 6 a.m., the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office said it got a total of 1,792 calls for service:
- 91 collisions
- 34 citizen assists
- 138 welfare checks
- 203 traffic hazards
- 323 were 911 hang-up calls
Williamson County EMS said it received a 90% increase in calls compared to one year ago. Paramedics have responded to 842 calls, according to the county. Staff slept in stations to help keep ambulances running. They also checked on long-term care facilities in the county.
The Road and Bridge Department was staffed 24/7 with 12-hour shifts since Feb. 11, the county said. Sanding and de-icing operations are ongoing. The department sprayed 850 gallons of pre-treatment on the roads until supplies ran out.
Lastly, the county reports the Williamson County Jail is operating without any disruption to power or water service. The sheriff’s office also helped with providing blankets, mattresses and deputies at the Florence Middle School shelter.
