Officials have reported that an individual was found deceased at a bus stop in the Second Ward of Houston, as a result of the freezing temperatures on Monday morning.
At 7:29 a.m., officials confirmed the death of an individual who was discovered at a bus stop located at 6700 N. Cesar Chavez, near Canal Street.
Lester Gretsch, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Transit Authority, stated that the incident is currently being investigated and no further details could be confirmed at this time.
“Weather is going to be a major talking point in our city over the next few days with subfreezing temperatures occurring pretty much every night,’ Gretsch said. “So, just stay weather aware; if you are having difficulties finding somewhere to spend the night, go to a shelter or to find somewhere that has heating or is indoors. … This can be life-threatening, and your life can suffer greatly if you don’t have the necessary resources,” Gretch said. “It’s important to stay weather aware and to seek shelter.”
Overnight, the temperatures in the area plummeted to the low 30s, as an Arctic freeze swept across southeast Texas. In certain suburbs north and northwest of Houston, the mercury dropped as low as 25 degrees.
The Houston forecast didn’t reach the threshold on Monday, despite the dangerous temperatures. The threshold, which is 24 degrees or 15 degrees with wind chill for two consecutive hours, would have prompted the city to open warming centers.
According to the National Weather Service, the temperature at the Bush Intercontinental Airport dropped to 30 degrees just before 7 a.m. on Monday.
According to a spokesperson from Star of Hope, the absence of warming centers operated by the city is placing a burden on their private facility in downtown Houston.
