Winter Weather — Berks, Pennsylvania

2009-02-26 · Berks, Pennsylvania

Wider weather episode

A mixture of light freezing rain and sleet fell across parts of Berks County, the Lehigh Valley and Poconos during the morning of the 26th. Precipitation started around 7 a.m. EST and temperatures rose above freezing after 9 a.m. EST.

The wintry mix contributed to many accidents, especially in Berks County. In Berks County, in Robeson Township, a Twin Valley School District Bus lost roadway traction on a downhill curve on Westley Road and struck trees on both sides of the road. Ten school children were injured, four needed hospitalization and one was seriously hurt. In Penn Township, a 35-year-old woman was killed after she lost control of her vehicle on Southbound Pennsylvania State Route 183, crossed the roadway and struck a tree. The road was closed for two hours. In Tulpehocken Township, a sports utility vehicle struck a pole and tree. The pole fell across the road which was closed until the pole was repaired. A minivan struck an embankment on Pennsylvania State Route 419 injuring a 32-year-old female passenger. In Greenwich Township, a 48-year-old woman was injured after her vehicle spun out of control on Pennsylvania State Route 737, went down an embankment and ended on its side. In Perry Township, the driver of another vehicle that went down an embankment off of Pennsylvania State Route 662 escaped injury. Several minor accidents were also reported on Pennsylvania State Route 737 in Oley Township.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 151642. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.