Winter Freeze · 2021

Texas Winter Storm Uri

February 10–19, 2021 · TX, LA, MS, OK

$195 billion (total economic impact including power grid failure)

Total Damage

300,000+ (pipe burst water damage)

Homes Flooded

$4.4 billion (water damage from burst pipes alone)

Insured Losses

$250 million

FEMA Grants

What Happened

Winter Storm Uri brought unprecedented cold to Texas — temperatures reaching -2°F in Dallas and staying below freezing for 10+ days. Texas's power grid failed, leaving millions without heat. When temperatures finally rose, 300,000+ Texas homes experienced burst pipe water damage simultaneously. Restoration companies were overwhelmed — waits of 3–4 weeks for service were common.

Affected Cities & States

States

TXLAMSOK

Primary Cities

Houston
Dallas
Austin
San Antonio
Fort Worth

Key Lessons for Homeowners

1
Texas homes are not winterized for sub-zero temperatures — a major vulnerability exposed
2
When 300,000 homes need restoration simultaneously, response times extend to weeks — pre-arranged relationships matter
3
Pipe failures occurred even in 'newer' homes built after 2010 — not just older housing stock
4
Most Uri pipe burst claims WERE covered by homeowners insurance — unlike flood, freeze is typically covered

Damage & Recovery by the Numbers

Total Economic Damage: $195 billion (total economic impact including power grid failure)
Insured Losses: $4.4 billion (water damage from burst pipes alone)
Homes Flooded: 300,000+ (pipe burst water damage)
FEMA Grants Issued: $250 million
FEMA Declaration #: DR-4586

Official Resources

FEMA Declaration Number: DR-4586

Apply for federal disaster assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov — use declaration number above to look up your eligibility.

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Other Major Events

Texas Winter Storm Uri — Frequently Asked Questions

: Texas Winter Storm Uri (2021) caused $195 billion (total economic impact including power grid failure) in total damages, with $4.4 billion (water damage from burst pipes alone) in insured losses. Approximately 300,000+ (pipe burst water damage) homes were flooded. FEMA issued $250 million in individual assistance grants to affected homeowners.
: Key lessons from Texas Winter Storm Uri: Texas homes are not winterized for sub-zero temperatures — a major vulnerability exposed; When 300,000 homes need restoration simultaneously, response times extend to weeks — pre-arranged relationships matter; Pipe failures occurred even in 'newer' homes built after 2010 — not just older housing stock; Most Uri pipe burst claims WERE covered by homeowners insurance — unlike flood, freeze is typically covered.
: Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage from events like Texas Winter Storm Uri. This type of damage — surface water flooding from extreme weather events — requires separate NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) or private flood insurance. FEMA disaster assistance (average $250 million per event) provides limited supplemental help for uninsured losses, but is far below typical replacement costs.
: Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 within 60 days of the federal disaster declaration for your county. You will need your Social Security number, property address, insurance policy information, and a description of damages. FEMA will schedule a home inspection. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks for initial determination. If denied, you have 60 days to appeal with additional documentation.

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What Happened

Key Lessons for Homeowners

Texas homes are not winterized for sub-zero temperatures — a major vulnerability exposed

When 300,000 homes need restoration simultaneously, response times extend to weeks — pre-arranged relationships matter

Pipe failures occurred even in 'newer' homes built after 2010 — not just older housing stock

Most Uri pipe burst claims WERE covered by homeowners insurance — unlike flood, freeze is typically covered

Texas Winter Storm Uri — Frequently Asked Questions

Texas Winter Storm Uri (2021) caused $195 billion (total economic impact including power grid failure) in total damages, with $4.4 billion (water damage from burst pipes alone) in insured losses. Approximately 300,000+ (pipe burst water damage) homes were flooded. FEMA issued $250 million in individual assistance grants to affected homeowners.

Key lessons from Texas Winter Storm Uri: Texas homes are not winterized for sub-zero temperatures — a major vulnerability exposed; When 300,000 homes need restoration simultaneously, response times extend to weeks — pre-arranged relationships matter; Pipe failures occurred even in 'newer' homes built after 2010 — not just older housing stock; Most Uri pipe burst claims WERE covered by homeowners insurance — unlike flood, freeze is typically covered.

Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage from events like Texas Winter Storm Uri. This type of damage — surface water flooding from extreme weather events — requires separate NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) or private flood insurance. FEMA disaster assistance (average $250 million per event) provides limited supplemental help for uninsured losses, but is far below typical replacement costs.

Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 within 60 days of the federal disaster declaration for your county. You will need your Social Security number, property address, insurance policy information, and a description of damages. FEMA will schedule a home inspection. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks for initial determination. If denied, you have 60 days to appeal with additional documentation.