Los Angeles, California — Days after powerful storms swept through Southern California, drivers across Los Angeles are still dealing with dangerous road conditions, as potholes left behind by heavy rain continue to damage vehicles, shred tires, and rattle suspensions on major city streets.
Motorists have reported vehicle damage in several neighborhoods, including La Brea Avenue and Westhaven Street in West Adams, where deep potholes have appeared along busy travel lanes. Even as roads dry out, the hidden hazards remain, catching drivers off guard—often at full speed.
Storms expose long-standing road issues
Transportation experts say rain doesn’t create potholes on its own but accelerates the breakdown of already weakened pavement. Water seeps into cracks, erodes the base beneath the road, and causes asphalt to collapse under traffic pressure.
“The damage we’re seeing now is the result of years of deferred maintenance,” transportation advocates said, noting that storms simply make the problem impossible to ignore.
City data appears to support that concern. Multiple reports indicate that Los Angeles has effectively halted full street repaving since summer 2025, with zero miles of lanes resurfaced during the 2025–26 fiscal year.
Repaving pause raises concerns
According to city records, no major resurfacing projects have been completed so far this fiscal year—an alarming statistic for a city with one of the largest street networks in the country.
It is widely believed that the pause is linked to an effort to avoid triggering a federal requirement mandating curb ramp upgrades whenever streets are fully repaved. That rule does not apply to spot maintenance, such as pothole patching.
Transportation advocates warn that relying solely on temporary fixes may save money short-term but leads to higher costs and more dangerous roads over time.
They argue that meaningful progress will require both increased funding and structural changes to how street repairs are planned and executed.
City says crews are responding citywide
In response to concerns, the Bureau of Street Services said it is actively addressing pothole complaints following the recent storms.
“The Bureau is proactive in its management of street conditions and ensures that streets are treated not only for repair but also to strengthen the street network and prevent future potholes,” the agency said in a statement.
Read Also: Tesla Crashes Into Granada Hills Persian Restaurant, Shattering Windows During Lunch Hours
Officials confirmed that a repair crew was dispatched to La Brea Avenue at Westhaven, near the Baldwin Hills Library, after reports of vehicle damage surfaced.
Hundreds of repairs completed since late December
City officials say the recent storms triggered a surge in service requests. Since December 24, the Bureau reports it has completed more than 600 pothole repairs across Los Angeles.
“Crews are working seven days a week to address the increased volume of cases and make appropriate repairs,” the agency said.
Despite those efforts, drivers say new potholes continue to appear faster than crews can address them—especially on high-traffic corridors.
Vehicle damage leaves drivers paying the price
For many motorists, pothole encounters have resulted in blown tires, bent rims, damaged suspension components, and costly repairs.
“You don’t see it until it’s too late,” one West Adams driver said. “By the time you hit it, your tire is already gone.”
Drivers whose vehicles were damaged by potholes may be eligible to seek reimbursement through the city.
How to file a claim with the city
If your vehicle was damaged by a pothole on a Los Angeles street, you can file a claim with the Los Angeles City Clerk. Claims can be submitted online through the City Clerk’s official website.
Officials recommend documenting the damage with photos, repair invoices, and the exact location and time of the incident to support the claim.
Bigger fix still uncertain
While emergency repairs may help in the short term, transportation advocates say the city must eventually confront the broader issue of street deterioration.
“Without consistent resurfacing, we’ll keep seeing this cycle repeat after every major storm,” advocates warned.
As Los Angeles braces for more winter weather in the weeks ahead, drivers are being urged to slow down, stay alert, and report potholes when they spot them.
Have post-storm potholes damaged your car or disrupted your commute? Share your experience in the comments below.
