Three people died and seven others were rescued after a boat capsized in Geneva Lake, Wisconsin, as a strong storm passed through southern Wisconsin on Friday, according to Tom Hausner, undersheriff for the Walworth County Sheriff’s department. The incident occurred amid a powerful storm that caused widespread damage and injuries in the area. Many injuries were reported in Walworth County after the storm toppled trees, knocked down power lines, and damaged buildings.
Lake Geneva Mayor Todd Krause declared an emergency and said that one person had minor injuries after being struck by a falling tree. Several areas of the city were experiencing power outages, he said in a statement. The investigation into the boat capsizing is being led by police in the city of Lake Geneva, although officials have yet to provide further information.
Walworth County authorities received multiple 911 calls reporting damage and people trapped in buildings, prompting an immediate response from deputies. However, their efforts were hindered by downed power lines and trees blocking streets. “Power lines are all over the place.
We are urging people to stay away,” Hausner said. Hausner said his agency asked for help from law enforcement in nearby counties and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Geneva Lake, in southern Wisconsin, attracts tourists from the Chicago area and other parts.
The population in Walworth County, where the lake is located, nearly doubles during holiday weekends, Hausner said. The storms that rolled through the Midwest on Friday afternoon and evening prompted multiple cities to cancel holiday festivals and reschedule fireworks displays. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, saying the forecast showed heavy rain Friday with lingering showers into Independence Day and a continued chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the weekend.
