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NewsNBC Chicago – LocalJuly 3, 2026Illinois

State of Emergency Declared in Lake Geneva Following Deadly Storms

Lake Geneva officials have declared a state of emergency after severe storms caused widespread damage, multiple injuries, and three fatalities on Friday. Emergency crews are currently managing structural collapses, water rescues, and power outages while clearing debris across the Walworth County area.

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Why It Matters

Residents and visitors in the Lake Geneva area face immediate safety hazards, including downed power lines, closed public parks, and strained emergency services during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Key Facts

  • Three people were killed and seven others were rescued after a boat capsized on Lake Geneva.
  • The City of Lake Geneva has officially declared a state of emergency.
  • Multiple people were injured, with some transported to local hospitals and others diverted due to the volume of patients.
  • Donian Park and Oak Hill Cemetery are closed until further notice due to dangerous tree conditions.
  • Flat Iron Park and Library Park are closed through the evening.
  • Emergency officials advise the public to avoid the southwest part of the county.
  • Residents are warned to stay away from all downed power lines.
  • The storm caused structural collapses and required multiple simultaneous water rescues.
  • Local emergency resources, including law enforcement, fire, and EMS, are reported to be at unprecedented levels of stress.
  • Cleanup efforts are underway using heavy equipment to clear roads of fallen trees and branches.

Who's Mentioned

organizationFranklin Fire Department“Assisting with cleanup and emergency response”organizationWTMJ Milwaukee“News outlet reporting on the event”locationWalworth County“County affected by the storm”locationLake Geneva“City where the state of emergency was declared”organizationLake Geneva Fire Department“Primary fire response agency”personTom Hausner“Undersheriff for the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office”