SATURDAY UPDATE 6 p.m.: For those in areas with transmission lines down, power restoration may take as long as three to four days. There are currently approximately 3,000 customers without service in Lake Geneva and adjacent towns served from the city’s three substations. The majority of those out of power are on the Lake Geneva’s north side. Read the latest update from officials here: https://walworthcountycommunitynews.com/2026/07/04/power-could-be-out-for-four-days-for-some-walworth-county-residents/
FRIDAY UPDATE 9 p.m.: Authorities have confirmed that three children died Friday after the boat they were on capsized in Geneva Lake during a strong storm. All the children on the boat were wearing life vests, authorities said. Here’s what happened: https://walworthcountycommunitynews.com/2026/07/03/three-children-drown-after-boat-capsizes-on-geneva-lake-during-storm/
UPDATE 4:35 p.m.: Walworth County Undersheriff Tom Hausner said that there were three fatalities after a boat capsized on Geneva Lake Friday. He was unable confirm reports that the three were children. Seven others on the boat were rescued, Hausner said.
UPDATE 5 p.m.: In response to the extent of the damage, the City of Lake Geneva has declared a state of emergency and is deploying all available resources to address immediate hazards, restore services, and ensure public safety.
The storm resulted in numerous downed trees and power lines across the city. One individual sustained minor injuries after being struck by a falling tree; emergency personnel responded promptly, and the individual received appropriate care.
Due to dangerous conditions caused by hanging and fallen tree limbs, Donian Park and Oak Hill Cemetery will be closed until further notice. Additionally, Flat Iron Park and Library Park will be temporarily closed through the evening while crews work to clear debris and secure the areas.
Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, particularly those who may be vulnerable, as some areas are experiencing power outages. The City also urges the public to avoid areas with storm damage to allow emergency and utility crews to safely complete cleanup and restoration efforts.
UPDATE 3:30 p.m.: The Town of Delavan Police Department and Fire Department are currently assessing storm damage throughout the community.
Please avoid unnecessary travel, whether by vehicle or on foot, while emergency personnel and utility crews work to identify hazards and clear roadways. There are multiple trees, downed power lines, and other storm-related dangers throughout the area.
EARLIER:
LAKE GENEVA — Trees were pulled out by the roots, boats were tossed from their moorings and hundreds of customers remain without power Friday afternoon following a severe thunderstorm that raced across Walworth County.
The storm reached Darien shortly after noon Friday, then moved across the county through Fontana, Walworth, the town of Linn and Lake Geneva.
Undersheriff Tom Hausner said all off-duty deputies were called in and the heaviest damage was in the southeast part of the county, particularly in the Lake Como area.
The Alliant Energy outage map as of 2:15 p.m. shows multiple outages centered on Lake Geneva, Williams Bay, Walworth, Elkhorn, Delavan and Darien.
Photos shared on social media show numerous trees pulled up by the roots as well as boats tipped over on area lakes.
In Lake Geneva, a large tree snapped in the heart of downtown at the intersection of Main Street and Wrigly Drive. Up the hill to the east at St. Francis DeSales, a large branch snapped from a tree, crashing into the sign in front of the school.
This story will be updated as new reports come in.
