Reading, Pennsylvania: natural disaster risk
How exposed Reading is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Berks County.
Reading is a city of 95,242 people in Berks County, Pennsylvania. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Berks County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and cold wave, with about $120 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,396 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 30 tornadoes and 226 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 12 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Berks County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Reading
Full Berks County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $69M | |
| Hurricane | $12M | |
| Cold wave | $9M | |
| Tornado | $7M | |
| Earthquake | $6M | |
| Heat wave | $5M | |
| Strong wind | $5M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Drought | $2M | |
| Hail | $477K | |
| Ice storm | $310K |
Homes in Reading
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Berks County
Other cities in Pennsylvania
All ›Common questions about Reading
Is Reading safe from natural disasters?
Reading is in Berks County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Reading?
By expected yearly losses in Berks County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (Moderate), cold wave (High). Berks County has been part of 21 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Reading get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 30 tornadoes in Berks County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 31, 1998 near Evansville. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Reading?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Berks County, about 0.5% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.