Bumpy Ride? Over 3,200 potholes reported this year due to rain in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — The continuous atmospheric rivers that have poured down rain on Central California have created pothole problems for drivers in Fresno.

[RELATED]Bridge in danger of collapsing, should be avoided in Kings County

The City of Fresno Public Works said it has been hard to keep up with the number of calls for potholes considering it's been raining so often.

"Since January 1 to now we've had over 3,200 potholes," said Brian Russell the Assistant Director for Fresno City Public Works.

Russell said every day the city has crews fixing roads, but the rain doesn't help.

"With these series of storms that have just been relentless and just one after another, a lot more potholes have popped up more than ever before," he said.

Potholes have taken over the city sending crews scrambling to fix them.

"With all of these rain events, these cool temperatures it's very difficult to schedule a time to get out and fill these potholes but when we do the moment the rain stops and the conditions dry out we go on a pothole blitz," said Russell.

Thousands of potholes have been called into the City of Fresno this year but compared to last summer, it was barely any.

"We might get six to 10 calls a day in the heat of summer," said Russell.

Gregg Boe the owner of Wheel King in Fresno said his business has been booming since the rain started. He's been seeing 15-20 more customers a week.

Damage can leave car owners with a hole in their wallets.

"You can damage suspension items," said Boe. "People have come in with bent suspension parts but normally it's the tire wheel that takes the hit."

He said in the 40 years he's been in business, he has never seen the potholes in Fresno this bad.

[RELATED]Bridge in danger of collapsing, should be avoided in Kings County

"With the consistent huge amount of rain that it's been this year it just seems like the potholes are worse," said Boe.

The City of Fresno asks for drivers to report potholes when they see them by calling 311 or downloading the City of Fresno app "FresGO."

You can also submit a claim to the City of Fresno for up to $10,000. The form to do that can be found HERE.