2 min readJul 4, 2026 07:38 AM IST First published on: Jul 4, 2026 at 07:38 AM IST ShareWhatsapptwitterFacebookThree people died and seven others were rescued Friday after a boat capsized in Geneva Lake as a strong storm passed through southern Wisconsin. (Representational/File Photo)A boat capsized on Geneva Lake Friday as severe storms swept through southern Wisconsin, leaving three people dead and prompting the rescue of seven others, according to Walworth County Undersheriff Tom Hausner.Hausner said he had no further details on the identities of the victims or the survivors. The circumstances of the capsizing are being investigated by police in the city of Lake Geneva, according to Associated Press (AP).The same storm system caused widespread damage across Walworth County, snapping trees, downing power lines, and damaging structures, Hausner said. He noted that the sheriff’s office fielded a flood of 911 calls about structural damage and people trapped inside buildings. Deputies responding to those calls were slowed by debris and fallen lines blocking roadways.Hausner warned residents to steer clear of the downed power lines scattered throughout the area. Given the scale of the damage, his department called in reinforcements from neighboring counties and the state Department of Natural Resources.In Lake Geneva itself, Mayor Todd Krause declared a state of emergency. He reported one minor injury someone hit by a falling tree along with scattered power outages across the city.Most Read1e-OCI card: How to apply online, eligibility, documents explained2Canada immigration changes in July 2026: What it means for Indian students, workers, and PR seekers310 Indian-origin CEOs leading America’s biggest companies as US turns 2504Iran blames US as ship runs aground in Hormuz. But, tracking data tells a different story5Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral: Who will represent India? Full list of government, BJP, Congress and other leaders6Trump says Iran has agreed to US demands. But key questions remainStory continues below this adGeneva Lake is a popular summer destination that draws visitors from Chicago and beyond, and Hausner noted that Walworth County’s population can nearly double over a holiday weekend like this one.The severe weather that moved through the Midwest Friday afternoon and evening also forced several cities to cancel Independence Day festivities and push back fireworks shows. The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Lake Geneva area, warning of heavy rain Friday with showers continuing into the holiday and a chance of more storms through the weekend.AdvertisementLoading Recommendations...Advertisement