Other Boaters In Distress Describe Dramatic Sudden Storm That Left Eight Dead In Tahoe

A sudden storm at Lake Tahoe on Saturday resulted in the capsizing of multiple boats, leading to eight fatalities. Witnesses described tumultuous conditions, with waves reaching heights of up to 10 feet, transforming the calm lake into a dangerous environment. The National Weather Service identified the phenomenon as a "downburst," where cold air from a thunderstorm impacted the lake's surface. Dan Johnston, a boater caught in the storm, made a critical 911 call just before his boat capsized, allowing for a timely rescue. Many boats sustained severe damage, with some pushed ashore and stacked on top of each other.

Local marina service manager Lindsay Chandler remarked on the extraordinary nature of the storm, stating she had never witnessed such conditions in her 15 years living in the area. Eric Mein, a boat training school owner, sensed the impending storm and advised others to leave the water. The incident has raised concerns about the changing weather patterns at Lake Tahoe during early summer.