Lake Geneva cleanup continues after deadly 100 mph winds
Storms with winds up to 100 mph capsized a boat on Geneva Lake, killing three children. Downed power lines and debris have left residents without power.
LAKE GENEVA, Wis. —
Cleanup continues in Walworth County after severe storms with estimated winds of 90 to 100 mph that resulted in the deaths of three children when a boat capsized. The storms hit Friday across the area, including Como, Darien, Delavan, Lake Delavan and Lake Geneva.
According to the Geneva Lake police, there were ten people on board the boat that capsized on Geneva Lake. Rescue operations successfully saved six adults and one child; three other children died. Officials confirmed that all four children on board were wearing life jackets.
During the Fourth of July events on Saturday, there was a moment of silence to honor the victims.
The storms took out electrical lines across the area, leaving residents without power for the Fourth of July weekend.
On Monday, a thousand people were still without power.
The high winds pulled trees from the ground, with some falling on top of homes, and covered schools in storm debris. Damage was left behind just south of Darien, Lake Delavan and north to Como.
Storms with estimated 100 mph winds killed 3 children and left widespread damage across the Lake Geneva area
Lake Geneva declared a state of emergency Friday, and officials urged people to stay away from the area.
“Power lines are all over the place,” Walworth County Undersheriff Tom Hausner said. “We are urging people to stay away. Do not come to gawk and look. That’s the worst thing you can do. If you see a power line down, avoid it at all costs.”
Residents described the storm’s impact.
“Today is like nothing I’ve ever seen before,” a resident said. “This was something that I usually see on the news, but I don’t experience it. So it was really — it was scary. It felt almost like a — with the rain and the trees, the way they were moving, almost like a tsunami.”
100 mph winds killed 3 children and left widespread damage across Lake Geneva. Residents continue cleanup efforts.
The National Weather Service confirmed several injuries caused by Friday’s severe weather. Two motorcyclists were hurt during the storms as they tried to get to safety when a few silos fell on top of them near Delavan.