What season is it? Here in New York State, it’s pothole season. No matter where you drive…whether in a city, town, village, or on a county road, you’ve likely noticed some of the largest potholes of the year opening up across roadways.

The good news? Help is available. Most municipalities across New York State offer hotlines and email addresses where drivers can report dangerous potholes so crews can address them before serious damage or accidents occur.

What Causes Potholes in New York State?

If you’re wondering what exactly causes potholes, you probably haven’t spent much time driving in Western New York or on the New York State Thruway during winter.

Potholes form when repeated cycles of freezing, thawing, and refreezing allow water to seep beneath the asphalt. As temperatures fluctuate, the pavement expands and contracts, eventually cracking and collapsing into large holes. These craters often appear suddenly, catching drivers off guard.

In some cases, potholes become so large it feels like your entire vehicle could be swallowed. When multiple potholes appear close together, drivers are often forced to weave within their lane just to avoid damaging their tires or wheels.

Warm-Ups Make the Problem Worse

The forecast is calling for a significant warm-up, followed by another freeze—ideal conditions for potholes to multiply rapidly. This back-and-forth weather pattern weakens road surfaces and causes existing patches to fail.

Even when municipalities repair potholes, those temporary fixes can be torn apart after the next snowstorm, especially when snowplows pass over freshly patched pavement.

How to Report Potholes in Your Community

Drivers can play an important role in improving road safety. By reporting potholes to local governments, you help crews identify and prioritize the most dangerous areas.

Many cities, including Buffalo, New York, offer services or online tip lines and aim to address reported potholes within 48 hours, depending on weather conditions and staffing.

New York State Thruway: 1-800-POTHOLE
Buffalo NY: 311
Erie County: 858-8300 or potholes@erie.gov

Think Ahead: Ice Melt and Winter Safety at Home

As another round of cold, icy weather approaches, it’s also important to think about conditions around your home. If you use ice melt on driveways or sidewalks, be aware that products like rock salt can damage concrete over time.

Pet owners should also take extra care. Not all ice-melting products are safe for pets’ paws, so look for pet-friendly ice melt options designed to reduce irritation and chemical exposure.

With fluctuating winter weather continuing across New York State, pothole season is far from over, making awareness, reporting, and preparation more important than ever.

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Gallery Credit: Brett Alan