In Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, a boating tragedy unfolded as three people lost their lives and seven others were rescued after their boat overturned during a storm on Geneva Lake. The incident occurred as a powerful storm swept through southern Wisconsin.

Tom Hausner, undersheriff for the Walworth County Sheriff’s department, reported extensive storm damage. Trees were toppled, power lines were downed, and buildings suffered damage throughout the county. Details about the deceased and rescued individuals remain undisclosed, with police in Lake Geneva conducting an investigation.

Efforts to acquire additional information from Lake Geneva officials have not been fruitful, as both email and voice inquiries from The Associated Press went unanswered. Lake Geneva’s Mayor, Todd Krause, declared an emergency, noting one person sustained minor injuries from a falling tree. Power outages affected multiple city areas.

Emergency services received numerous 911 calls reporting damage and entrapment in buildings. Responding officers encountered delays due to blocked streets from downed power lines and trees. Hausner emphasized the dangers, advising the public to avoid the affected areas.

Assistance was requested from neighboring counties and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to manage the situation. Geneva Lake, a favored spot for tourists from the Chicago area and beyond, sees its population swell during holiday weekends. The recent Midwest storms led to the cancellation and rescheduling of Independence Day festivities and fireworks across several cities.

The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Lake Geneva, forecasting heavy rain with persistent showers into the holiday and potential thunderstorms over the weekend.