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Tropical Storm Chantal Makes Landfall in South Carolina

Michael Esparza
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Tropical Storm Chantal Makes Landfall in South Carolina

Tropical Storm Chantal came ashore early Sunday morning near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, with sustained winds of 50 mph. The National Hurricane Center reported the storm’s center was about 70 miles northeast of Charleston at landfall around 4 a.m.

Storm Brings Strong Winds and Rain to Carolinas

Tropical storm warnings remained in effect from South Santee River, South Carolina, to Surf City, North Carolina, including Myrtle Beach. Peak winds in these areas were expected to reach 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. A watch for areas further south, including Charleston, was canceled after landfall.

Flash Flooding Threat Continues

Heavy rainfall from Chantal’s outer and inner bands is producing flash flooding risks. Rain totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected across the Carolinas, with isolated spots seeing up to 6 inches. Flood watches were issued for coastal and inland areas, including Myrtle Beach, Fayetteville, and Raleigh.

Storm Weakening as it Moves Inland

Chantal began weakening shortly after landfall and is expected to become a tropical depression later Sunday before dissipating by Monday. Scattered thunderstorms and gusty winds will continue to affect the region throughout the day, along with minor storm surge of 1 to 3 feet during high tide along the Carolina coast.

Early Arrival in Hurricane Season

Chantal is the third named storm of the Atlantic season, which typically doesn’t see its third storm until early August.

For more on hurricane safety, read our guide and stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Pope Leo XIV Resumes Summer Retreat Tradition at Castel Gandolfo

Edward Saenz
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Pope Leo XIV Resumes Summer Retreat Tradition at Castel Gandolfo

Pope Leo XIV is reviving a long-standing papal tradition by heading to Castel Gandolfo for a six-week vacation, marking the first time a pope has spent the summer there since Pope Francis chose to stay in Rome during his 12-year papacy.

A Time for Rest and Reflection

Before leaving, Leo told crowds in St. Peter’s Square he was taking a brief rest and encouraged others to take time to refresh body and spirit. The 69-year-old pontiff is expected to use the quieter setting to reflect on key challenges facing the Church after a busy start to his papacy.

Historic Papal Retreat

Built in the 17th century, the Castel Gandolfo palace has long been a summer refuge for popes. The estate includes gardens, a farm, and an observatory, as well as an environmental center inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si.

Town Welcomes Return of Papal Summers

The pope’s visit is a welcome revival for the town, whose businesses missed the traditional summer crowds during Francis’ papacy. Although the papal residence was opened as a museum year-round under Francis, locals say it couldn’t fully replace the excitement of a pope’s presence.

Hopes for Future Visits and New Writings

Castel Gandolfo’s mayor expressed hope that Leo will visit more frequently, as previous popes did, and perhaps even draft important Church documents from the residence. Townspeople and officials alike are eager to see the estate regain its place as a spiritual and cultural hub for the Catholic world.

For more on Pope Leo and other religious news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Texas floods’ death toll climbs to 51

Indira Zaldivar
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Texas floods’ death toll climbs to 51

Texas Floods Leave Dozens Dead, Girls Missing at Summer Camp

Rescuers in Kerr County, Texas, are searching through debris and floodwaters after a devastating flash flood killed at least 51 people and left 27 girls missing from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp. The floodwaters rose 26 feet on the Guadalupe River in under an hour before sunrise Friday, destroying homes, overturning vehicles, and flattening trees.

Rescue Efforts Underway

Teams using helicopters, boats, and drones continue to search the area. Officials said more than 850 people have been rescued so far. Gov. Greg Abbott declared Sunday a statewide day of prayer and pledged nonstop search efforts as more areas became accessible.

Camp Mystic Hit Overnight

Camp Mystic was hit in the middle of the night, leaving campers scrambling for safety. Some survivors were evacuated by helicopter, while others crossed rising waters holding onto rescue ropes. At least 15 children are among the dead. Families have been posting photos and pleas online as they search for missing loved ones.

Warnings and Scrutiny

Though weather alerts had been issued hours earlier, the speed and intensity of the flood caught many off guard. Some area camps, such as Mo-Ranch and Camps Rio Vista and Sierra Vista, had already moved campers to higher ground.

Community in Shock

Local leaders and residents described scenes of chaos as people clung to trees and climbed into attics to escape the rising water. Erin Burgess and her teenage son held onto a tree for an hour, while others, like Barry Adelman, sheltered in their attics with family members.

Flood-Prone Area Faces Difficult Recovery

The Texas Hill Country, often called “flash flood alley,” is prone to fast-moving floods due to its rocky terrain. Officials said a proposed flood warning system was never implemented due to cost concerns. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said recovery efforts would be long and difficult, calling the flood a heartbreaking disaster.

Federal Assistance Arrives

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Gov. Abbott pledged full support from the federal and state governments. Coast Guard helicopters and planes are assisting in search and rescue operations, which will continue as long as needed.

Looking Ahead

The community now faces the painful task of recovery, with flash flood watches still in effect and the number of missing yet unknown beyond the 27 girls from Camp Mystic.

Follow every update on this story with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Tropical Storm Chantal Forms Off Southeast Coast

Indira Zaldivar
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Tropical Storm Chantal Forms Off Southeast Coast

Tropical Storm Chantal formed earlier this morning off the southeastern U.S. coast and is forecasted to track northward toward the Carolinas in the coming days, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) is actively monitoring the storm’s progress and will continue to provide updates throughout the 2025 hurricane season.

Preparedness Starts at Home

HCOHSEM reminds residents that the best way to build a resilient community is by preparing now and encouraging friends and neighbors to do the same.

Build an Emergency Kit

Emergency supply kits should contain enough non-perishable food and water for seven days. Other essential items include:

  • Medications and first aid supplies
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Baby care items
  • Pet supplies, such as food, water, leashes, medications, and vaccination records

A full checklist is available on the ReadyHarris website under the “Get Prepared” tab.

Create an Evacuation Plan

Residents in evacuation zones should know their routes and follow local instructions. To check if your home is in an evacuation zone, visit the Zip Zone Evacuation Map.

Those who may need extra help during an evacuation — including medically fragile individuals and those needing transportation assistance — should register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) online or by calling 2-1-1.

HCOHSEM also encourages homeowners, renters, and business owners to obtain flood insurance and review their existing policies to ensure they are up to date.

Stay Informed During Hurricane Season

Stay weather aware by signing up for emergency alerts at www.readyharris.org and texting GULF2025 to 888777 for hurricane updates.

Residents can also follow HCOHSEM on social media and subscribe to Ready Harris Alerts and Ready Harris Accessible Alerts for timely information before, during, and after a storm.

For more on hurricane safety, read our guide and stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Deadly Fireworks Blaze in Los Angeles Leaves 1 Dead, 5 Injured

Michael Esparza
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Deadly Fireworks Blaze in Los Angeles Leaves 1 Dead, 5 Injured

A fireworks-related residential fire in Los Angeles’ Pacoima neighborhood killed one man and injured five others Thursday night. The blaze quickly spread to four properties, triggering a massive response from over 130 firefighters, officials said.

Explosions Fueled the Fire’s Spread

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) said the fire involved a large cache of fireworks stored in a detached garage. As the flames spread, fireworks continued detonating, threatening nearby brush and structures.

Witnesses Describe Explosion-Like Impact

“It felt like an explosion,” one resident told KABC. He described seeing fireworks go off as fires broke out across the street, causing chaos in the neighborhood.

Casualties and Animal Rescues

Firefighters found a man in his 30s dead after extinguishing the fire. A 33-year-old woman was hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Four others were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. Several animals were injured; at least one dog was rushed to an emergency veterinary hospital.

Fire Contained in Under an Hour

The blaze, reported shortly after 9 p.m., engulfed three one-story homes, multiple accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and a parked vehicle. Firefighters contained the fire within 53 minutes.

Gas Leak and Electrical Hazards Managed

Responders also addressed a gas leak and downed live electrical wires behind the properties. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the gas company were called to assist.

Officials Urge Safe Fireworks Practices

Firefighter David Ortiz warned against unlicensed fireworks use in Southern California’s dry conditions. “Leave the fireworks to the professionals,” he urged. “They are very powerful and can start fires.”

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. For more details on this story, stay tuned with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Russia Launches Massive Drone Attack on Ukraine Leaving 11 Injured

Edward Saenz
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Russia Launches Massive Drone Attack on Ukraine Leaving 11 Injured

Russia unleashed a wave of 322 drones on Ukraine overnight, marking another major escalation in the conflict. According to the Ukrainian air force, 292 of the drones were either shot down or neutralized by other defensive measures.

Injuries Reported Near Kharkiv

In the Kharkiv region, 11 people, including two children, were injured when a drone strike hit overnight, local emergency services reported. Emergency crews worked to extinguish fires caused by the attack.

Khmelnytskyi Region Among Primary Targets

Many of the drones were aimed at Ukraine’s Khmelnytskyi region, particularly the city of Starokostiantyniv, which has been a frequent target in recent months.

Follows Largest Air Assault of the War

This latest attack came just one day after Russia launched its largest missile and drone assault of the war, targeting Kyiv with a record-breaking barrage.

Ukraine Strikes Back

In response, Ukraine’s military targeted a Russian airfield in Borisoglebsk early Saturday. Ukrainian officials said the strike hit an airbase housing Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-30SM fighter jets, along with a depot of glide bombs and other equipment.

Ongoing Escalation

The exchange marks another escalation in the ongoing war, as both sides continue to target key military infrastructure and civilian areas.

For the latest on the deadly Russia-Ukraine war, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Scattered showers possible over the holiday weekend

ABC13 Houston
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Scattered showers possible over the holiday weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Our rain chances are dropping lower over the weekend, but we’ve still got enough moisture around to squeeze out a few showers Saturday and Sunday.

We should have more sun poking through the clouds Saturday than we saw on Friday, so it should get a little hotter with highs topping out in the mid 90s. There’s a 30% chance of showers in the morning with some isolated thunderstorms possible in the afternoon.

Major flooding is ongoing in the Hill Country west of I-35, and with more rain coming, please stay weather aware and use caution if your holiday weekend travel plans take you there.

What’s in store for the rest of the weekend and early next week?

Sunday’s rain chance drop down to 20% as moisture levels drop even more. Temperatures will climb into the mid 90s with a heat index above 100. Another batch of moisture rolls in here on Monday along with an upper air disturbance, pushing those rain odds up to 30% Monday and 40% Tuesday.

Is any triple digit heat in the forecast?

Not at this time. In fact, we still haven’t hit 100 so far this summer! It no longer looks like a heat ridge will park on us next week, so we’re predicting highs in the mid-to-upper 90s with a slim chance for an afternoon shower most days next week.

What’s happening in the tropics?

Tropical Storm Chantal has formed and will drench the Carolinas with heavy rain. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Deadly Floods Sweep Through Texas Hill Country, leave at least 24 dead

Indira Zaldivar
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Deadly Floods Sweep Through Texas Hill Country, leave at least 24 dead

A devastating storm in south-central Texas unleashed nearly a foot of rain overnight, leaving at least 24 people dead and dozens missing.

Floodwaters surged through the Guadalupe River, submerging the Hill Country, an area known for its century-old summer camps.

Camp Mystic: Dozens of Girls Unaccounted For

State officials said 23 to 25 girls from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp in Hunt, were still missing as of Friday evening. Over 237 people have been rescued, but the search continues. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urged Texans to pray, calling it an “on-your-knees kind of praying” moment.

Rescues by Helicopter Amid Rising Waters

Rescue crews reached Camp Mystic Friday afternoon, airlifting campers who had been stranded on higher ground. Elinor Lester, 13, described waking up to the storm and being evacuated by helicopter after walking through rushing waters tied to a rope for safety.

Younger Campers’ Cabins Quickly Flooded

According to Lester, younger campers—some as young as eight—were housed along the riverbanks, where the flooding first hit. With no food, power, or running water, campers waited for rescuers as floodwaters rose dangerously high.

Parents’ Relief and Ongoing Heartbreak

Elizabeth Lester tearfully reunited with her daughter, but noted others are still missing, including a friend’s daughter who was a counselor. Nearby camps La Junta and Waldemar reported all campers and staff safe.

Families Wait for News

At a reunification center in Ingram, anxious families gathered, hoping to see their children. Many shared heartbreaking updates in local Facebook groups after hearing their daughters had not yet been located.

Flash Flood Alley Strikes Again

Camp Mystic sits in “flash flood alley,” where rain rapidly runs downhill rather than soaking into the ground. Officials had warned of severe weather, predicting up to 6 inches of rain—nearly 10 inches fell. The Guadalupe River rose to 26 feet in just 45 minutes.

Echoes of Past Tragedies

The disaster recalls the 1987 tragedy when floodwaters claimed the lives of 10 campers from another Christian camp along the Guadalupe River.

Beloved Camp Now a Scene of Destruction

Former counselor Chloe Crane described Camp Mystic as a cherished place where girls gained confidence and independence. Now, many campers’ happy memories have been replaced by fear and uncertainty after cabins were washed away.

Recovery Efforts Continue

Rescue operations remain underway as families, first responders, and communities hold onto hope for those still missing. Charities like the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country are collecting donations to support relief efforts.

Follow every update on this story with us on Que Onda Magazine.

The History of the Fourth of July: America’s Independence Day

Edward Saenz
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The History of the Fourth of July: America’s Independence Day

The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States, marked by fireworks, parades, and patriotic gatherings. But beyond the festivities, this day holds deep historical significance as the birth of the American nation.

Breaking Away from British Rule

In the 18th century, the thirteen American colonies were under British rule. Tensions had been building for years due to taxation without representation, trade restrictions, and other disputes between the colonists and the British government. In response to these grievances, representatives from the colonies gathered in Philadelphia in the summer of 1776 to debate their future.

The Declaration of Independence

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Great Britain. Two days later, on July 4, the final wording of the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the document eloquently outlined the colonies’ reasons for seeking freedom and declared that “all men are created equal” with the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Though the vote for independence occurred on July 2, the Fourth of July became the day Americans celebrated their new nation’s founding because that was the date printed on the Declaration of Independence.

Early Celebrations

The first celebrations of Independence Day began shortly after the document’s adoption. In 1777, Philadelphia marked the anniversary with fireworks, cannon salutes, and parades. Cities and towns across the new nation began holding their own celebrations, including readings of the Declaration, public speeches, and festive gatherings.

Becoming a National Holiday

Over time, July 4th celebrations grew in popularity. In 1870, nearly a century after the Declaration was signed, Congress made Independence Day an official federal holiday. In 1941, it became a paid holiday for federal employees.

Traditions and Modern Celebrations

Today, the Fourth of July is celebrated nationwide with barbecues, concerts, parades, and dazzling fireworks displays. Communities gather to honor American freedom and history, while families enjoy picnics, outdoor games, and patriotic music. Cities like Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C., host some of the nation’s largest festivities, drawing thousands of participants and spectators.

A Day of Reflection and Patriotism

While the Fourth of July is a day of joy and festivity, it also serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made to achieve American independence. It is a time for reflection on the values of freedom, equality, and democracy that continue to shape the United States today.

For more on t

Houston Launches Pilot Program to Speed Up Permitting Process

Indira Zaldivar
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Houston Launches Pilot Program to Speed Up Permitting Process

The City of Houston is taking major steps to modernize its permitting system and reduce long wait times for homeowners and builders.

New 30-Day Turnaround Goal for Home Permits

Starting Monday, July 7, the Houston Permitting Center will roll out a pilot program aiming to process permits for single-family residential homes within 30 days. The effort responds to years of complaints from residents and builders frustrated by delays that, in some cases, stretched up to a year.

A Promise Kept by Mayor John Whitmire

Mayor John Whitmire announced the new program as part of his commitment to reform city operations. “This certainly conforms to one of my campaign pledges to reform the permitting process in the City of Houston,” Whitmire said. “I’ve heard repeatedly that people would not do business with the City of Houston in the home building industry because it would take up to a year to get a permit.”

Program Aims to Modernize and Restore Trust

The pilot project includes several goals to improve the permitting process:

  • Streamline development
  • Eliminate costly delays
  • Modernize City operations
  • Restore confidence in local government

A Boost for Housing and Jobs

Mayor Whitmire expressed optimism about the program’s potential impact on Houston’s housing market. “It will improve affordability; it will create jobs, so I am really excited about it,” he said. “All I can say right now is: Let’s go to work.”

For more on Houston City Hall, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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