National Weather Service confirms tornado in Berks Co.

HAMBURG, Pa. -- The National Weather Service confirms a tornado hit Berks County on Thursday evening, where a funnel cloud was spotted and an elementary school was destroyed.

Investigators say the tornado was an EF-1 with maximum winds of at least 105 mph.

Chopper 6 was over the Blue Mountain Elementary School to survey the damage Friday morning.

Most of the roof was torn off the school, and pieces could be seen on the ground.

A portion of the roof was pushed up vertically, with a corner pointing into the sky.

The video clearly showed the inside of classrooms, hallways and the gymnasium.

Debris was scattered throughout the building and a wall was missing from part of the school.

According to school officials the principal, Rachel Wardecke, was inside of the building at the time.

"I was thinking 'we don't have a ceiling light in this school, so why am I seeing light?'" said Wardecke.

Fortunately, she was able to dig herself out of the ruins.

Kindergarten teacher Linda Johnson, who lives nearby, ran to the school because she knew her colleague had been working inside.

Johnson said, "Her angels have worked hard. Her angels were working overtime. They were watching over her. She is fine, a little sore, but she is fine."

School official Richard Bianco added, "I saw Rachel and I went over to her and grabbed her and gave her a hug. I said 'Rachel, I just thank God you are alive. I just cannot believe you walked out of that building.'"

There were no reports of any injuries during the storm.

Action News obtained video of a funnel cloud that was spotted nearby.