Enter any address in Berks County, Pennsylvania to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Berks County. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 177 flash flood events, alongside 61 general flood events and two tropical storms. For example, scattered thunderstorms produced heavy rain leading to flash flooding in June 2025, and a stationary front sparked showers and thunderstorms causing flash flooding in July 2025.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $25,012 and an average water depth of 4.8 feet. Zone X_SHADED properties also saw significant claims, averaging $12,513 with an average water depth of 5.7 feet. Homeowners in Zone A, Zone X_SHADED, and those in areas with unknown flood zone designations should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
17 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Berks County, Pennsylvania has recorded 240 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 177 flash floods and 61 river or area floods. The county has received 23 federal disaster declarations, 6 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1965–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Jan 22, 2016 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 26, 2012 |
| Remnants Of Tropical Storm Lee | Flood | Sep 3, 2011 |
| Tropical Storm Lee | Flood | Sep 3, 2011 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Jun 23, 2006 |
| Hurricane Katrina | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Tropical Depression Ivan | Hurricane | Sep 17, 2004 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding Associated With Tropical Depression Frances | Severe Storm | Sep 8, 2004 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2025 | 25.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2025 | 30.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2025 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 30, 2025 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 8, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 1, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 1, 2025 | 25.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 1, 2025 | 20.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 1, 2025 | 30.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 31, 2025
A stationary front sparked off showers and thunderstorms across the forecast area. Flash flooding resulted.
Flash Flood — Jun 30, 2025
Scattered thunderstorms, out ahead of a cold front, produced heavy rain across portions of the Delaware Valley.
Flash Flood — Jul 8, 2025
A cold front produced heavy rain and flash flooding across portions of the region.
Flash Flood — Jul 1, 2025
A cold front tracked through the region and produced heavy rain and flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Jul 24, 2023
Showers and thunderstorms brought locally heavy rain to Berks County during the late afternoon and early evening of July 24. Rainfall totals were as high as 1 to 2 inches.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Individual Claims (2.25M records analyzed).
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in Berks County, Pennsylvania:
AE High Risk — 1% annual chance of flooding. Insurance required.
VE Very High Risk — Coastal flooding with wave action.
X (Shaded) Moderate Risk — 500-year floodplain.
X Low Risk — Outside major floodplains.
Properties in Berks County, Pennsylvania that are in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with federally backed mortgages are required to carry flood insurance.
Even outside high-risk zones, flood insurance is recommended. From 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.