Winter storm makes mess of freeways

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As soon as the rain began to fall, crews from the city, county, even Caltrans began bracing for calls but it is unlikely any agency was busier than the CHP.

Victor Taylor of the California Highway Patrol said, "We've had a lot of traffic collisions within the transitions, curves because people are going too fast for conditions."

From dawn to dusk, from Highway 180 to 99, officers had to divert traffic from crashes at a rapid pace. Several of the collisions ended with major injuries.

"Speed, not keeping enough distance, not paying attention, distracted driving, we've had a lot of solo rollovers the past few days," Taylor explained.

The pace was much slower in the City of Fresno where maintenance workers say prep work before the storm helped limit the number of problems.

Director of Public Works, Scott Mozier said, "With any of the street underpasses and low points, we checked the pumps maintain them, and they all functioned perfectly this storm."

City and county leaders say the nature of this storm helped minimize damage. There was no cloudburst, just a good steady rain. As of Tuesday, the city only received two reports of downed trees.

However, the work does not end here workers say they are prepared, Wednesday, to handle another problem that will emerge.

Patching potholes to try and stay ahead of the next storm -- the city says pothole repair works will begin as soon as the roads dry Wednesday morning.

They will have four crews placed throughout Fresno. You can report one using the City's Fresgo App.