Recent storm caused quite a mess for Fresno drivers

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The recent storm caused quite a mess in the Central Valley. Downed trees and potholes are creating obstacles for drivers.

With the return of wet weather to Fresno, the city's public works and maintenance are scrambling to work on repairs. "We get wind picking up, we know there's going to be tree damage-- those crews become a storm SWAT team," said Mark Standriff, City of Fresno.

The city received 20 calls for debris from Wednesday night's storm alone. "But the wind, because the waters saturated the ground and made it soft, it makes it easier for the older trees to make the branches fall-- or completely knocked over," said Standriff.

Like the one that fell onto a Northwest Fresno apartment. Though two people were home they weren't hurt. The building is now unsafe for them to live in.

Standriff said in addition to storm debris, potholes are popping up throughout the city-- like the one at First and Olive. "Now that we've gotten rain, the incidents of potholes has dramatically increased for us during the season."

Adding, it's the older streets that are more susceptible. "The water will seep into the cracks and cause fractures, and when, of course, cars drive over them, that's when the pot holes pop up," said Standriff.

You may not think that the potholes are a big deal but were finding out it can do a lot of wear and tear, not just to your tires, but to your alignment. "That can actually be very unsafe for you because your car isn't getting the right traction especially in the rain," said Darrell Lindsey, Fresno Lexus Service Manager.

In the last three months, the Fresno Lexus has had a 41-percent failure rate on alignment checks. Though somewhat high because of holiday travel, many don't realize when the damage is done. "All of a sudden, 12 months later when you burned out your tires you realize, 'oh, I did this a long time ago'," said Lindsey.

An issue in the winter months, especially on these slick valley roads.