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13 deaths reported in San Bernardino County since snowstorms, only 1 ruled weather-related

While eight of the deaths are being investigated, four died either in a hospital or while receiving hospice care

SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA: Thirteen deaths have been reported since strong storms in Southern California's San Bernardino County cut off its mountain villages. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, just one of the fatalities—a traffic accident—is now thought to be weather-related.

"The preliminary information in the other deaths does not indicate they are weather-related, but those investigations are ongoing," the sheriff's department said. California had record-breaking snowfall from late February through early March as a result of a series of snowstorms. Residents of mountain communities had found themselves "trapped at home or unable to reach home due to several feet of snow." In response, San Bernardino County declared a local emergency on February 27. On March 9, the sheriff's office disclosed additional information regarding some of the fatalities.

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'Many of the deceased had chronic conditions'

While eight of the deaths are being investigated, four of the victims either died in a hospital or while receiving hospice care. "Many of the deceased had significant medical histories or chronic conditions," the office said in a statement, as per ABC News.

According to the sheriff's office, one of the casualties was a 39-year-old woman who was hit by a car on February 26 in Fawnskin. A 65-year-old woman was discovered dead in her Wrightwood home two days later, and a 77-year-old woman was discovered deceased in her Crestline house by her landlord on March 2. A day later, the sheriff's office reported that a 77-year-old man was discovered dead in his Valley of Enchantment house during a welfare check that his family had requested.

The office also revealed that a 33-year-old male was discovered dead inside his Arrowbear residence on March 3. That same day, a 62-year-old man was found dead in his Big Bear City residence. Besides, following a welfare check, a 42-year-old woman was discovered deceased in her Big Bear Lake house, and a 96-year-old woman was found dead by a neighbor in her Crestline home, according to the sheriff's office.

7.2M cubic yards of snow cleared from county highways

According to the governor's office, workers have cleared San Bernardino County's highways of more than 7.2 million cubic yards of snow, which is almost 2,270 Olympic-sized swimming pools. "We continue to support our allied agencies who made great progress overnight on utility restoration. Last night deputies responded to several well checks; residents were safe, supplied, & declined evacuation. Deputies continue responding to calls & assisting residents," the sheriff's department said on March 8.