Reading, Pa. – Two separate landspout tornadoes touched down in Berks County on Sunday, May 4, causing minor tree damage in some areas and prompting brief concern across eastern Pennsylvania.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, the first tornado struck the Blue Marsh National Recreation Area around 2:11 p.m. and lasted just one minute. It was classified as EF-U, meaning there was no observable damage, but the event was confirmed through video evidence.
A second, stronger landspout developed several hours later near Mohrsville and Shoemakersville. Rated EF-0 with peak winds reaching 65 mph, this tornado was on the ground from 5:57 to 5:59 p.m. and traveled 1.7 miles. The NWS reported minor tree damage but no injuries or fatalities from either tornado.
Residents in areas along Route 61 and nearby neighborhoods may have noticed debris or fallen limbs but were not under any active warnings at the time. Landspout tornadoes differ from traditional supercell tornadoes in that they typically form along surface boundaries and can develop quickly with limited radar detection.
While no watches or warnings remain in effect, the NWS advises staying alert to changing conditions as warmer temperatures and instability continue across southeastern Pennsylvania this week.
