Tornado Touched Down In Berks County: NWS Survey Confirms

In a statement released on Wednesday, July 2, the National Weather Service verified that a weak tornado briefly made landfall in Berks County, causing damage to trees along its almost mile-long course.

The trajectory of Berks County, Pennsylvania’s EF-0 tornado.

The NWS Mount Holly office reports that the EF-0 twister hit Weavertown in Amity Township at approximately 4:47 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1. An estimated 70 mph was the peak wind speed.

Two minutes later, more trees were brought down across a farm field at Boyertown Pike, close to Camp Road, marking the end of the tornado’s course, according to the statement. The whole route was roughly 150 yards wide and 0.9 miles long.

There were no reported fatalities or injuries.

Straight-Line Winds Caused More Damage Toward Boyertown, Gilbertsville

Despite the tornado’s brief duration, the NWS reported that strong straight-line winds, which were estimated to reach speeds of 70 mph, caused more damage toward the east and northeast.

More trees were felled in Montgomery County’s Boyertown and north side of Gilbertsville by these winds, which were linked to a rear-flank downdraft.

In other areas of Berks County, similar wind damage was documented; however, the NWS survey concluded that significant straight-line winds, rather than more tornadoes, were most likely responsible for this damage.

Officials Acknowledge Local Support

Berks County Emergency Management and a local storm spotter, Mr. Lou Ruh, were commended by the Mount Holly meteorological office for their help in verifying the tornado.

On the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which rates tornadoes according to projected wind speeds and associated damage, this EF-0 designation is the lowest.

Wind speeds in EF-0 tornadoes range from 65 to 85 mph.

Do you have any storm footage or pictures? To [email protected], send them.