HOUSTON – As if we need any more, drivers across the Houston area may be noticing new potholes forming after the recent Texas freeze, and experts say freezing temperatures are often to blame.
When temperatures drop, moisture seeps into small cracks in the roadway. As that water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the pavement.
Once temperatures rise again, the ice melts, leaving behind weakened pockets beneath the road surface. Over time, especially with heavy traffic, those weakened areas can collapse, creating potholes.
While freezes in Houston are typically short-lived, roadways here are not designed to withstand prolonged cold, making them more vulnerable to damage when temperatures dip below freezing.
Transportation officials say potholes can develop quickly after freeze-thaw cycles, sometimes appearing overnight. Drivers may notice loose asphalt, growing cracks, or sudden dips in the road, all signs that pavement has been compromised.
Potholes can cause significant damage to vehicles, including blown tires, bent rims, and suspension issues. Officials urge drivers to slow down, especially on roads they travel less frequently, and to avoid standing water, which can hide deep holes.
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