Potholes are lining roads across the Valley, becoming a major headache for drivers as we deal with the freeze and thaw cycle.
But we're told, that this is only going to get worse before it gets better.

So what can be done to fix these potholes before they cause more problems?

Mahoning county Engineer, Pat Ginetti, says the current forecast is a perfect pothole recipe.
Right now we have nearly two feet of frozen ground. So when rain gets into the cracks in these warmer conditions, with a freeze expected this weekend, the thaw after that will mean a bad pothole season.

He says the county knows ahead of time what roads will be worse than others based on their paving program.

"Typically those roads that are going to get paved this year or are scheduled for a later date we pretty much know those are going to be the targets so we have people constantly driving trying to monitor the conditions and dispatch crews accordingly," said Ginetti.

Crews can only use a cold patch asphalt right now which doesn't always stay in place long.

"Hot mix plants are not producing right now because the air temperature is too low and the asphalt won't stick so you put cold mix in temporarily to get you through the winter and then usually mid April is when asphalt plants open up," Ginetti added.

Hot mix allows for a more permanent repair.

So if you're seeing potholes right now, report them to your local road department because roads will only be getting worse in the coming weeks.