Tuesday evening’s storms brought heavy rain, strong winds, and flash flooding to Berks County, prompting water rescues and road closures in several communities.
The line of storms moved through the region from west to east beginning around 5:00 p.m., delivering intense downpours and damaging wind gusts. A peak wind gust of 63.3 mph was recorded at Reading Regional Airport at 4:40 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
As the storm intensified, the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for eastern Berks County, including areas such as Oley and Boyertown. Although radar indicated rotation, no confirmed tornado touchdown has been reported, and no damage has been directly linked to a tornado.
A Flash Flood Warning followed due to torrential rainfall, with Oley Township and Exeter Township among the hardest hit. According to NWS rainfall data, Oley received the highest total in the county at 3.83 inches by 9:30 p.m. Other notable amounts included 2.87 inches in District Township, 2.66 inches in Reading, and 2.65 inches in Sinking Spring.
Water quickly flooded roads and low-lying areas, leading to numerous emergency calls. While many drivers were able to escape flooded vehicles on their own, first responders conducted several water rescues. In Oley Township, near Oysterville Creek, crews launched a rescue boat to evacuate two people and a dog from a home surrounded by floodwaters on the 2600 block of West Philadelphia Avenue.
Storm damage was widespread, with trees down and wires reported across the county. In addition to Oley and Exeter, communities like Mohnton, Laureldale, Birdsboro, and Boyertown also experienced flooding and debris-related issues.
By nightfall, as the storms moved out, skies began to clear. In the Oley Valley, a vivid double rainbow appeared against a glowing pink and purple sky—a brief and striking contrast to an otherwise chaotic evening.
