This week will see the beginning of a significant warming trend, as the District begins to shake off winter’s icy death grip in favor of spring’s friendly handshake. Yes, a season that’s much easier to bring to large social gatherings and you’re more likely to feel comfortable introducing to your parents is just around the corner. So you know that can only mean one thing: Something new to terrify us all to the core. This time around, it’s Killer Potholes. Quoth the Washington Times:

Potholes form after rain or melted snow seeps into roads, then freezes. The ice expands and splits the pavement, and the cracks get larger as vehicles drive over them, eventually creating potentially teeth-clenching, axle-bending potholes.

The city’s transportation department, which covers 1,100 miles of road, has received only a few reports of potholes, but officials expect that to change soon.

“Traditionally, what we’ll see in the next few weeks after the cold weather starts to let up and warmer weather descends upon us is the advent of more potholes,” Mr. Linden said.

Gather your loved ones and secure your homes in the face of this new enemy! Or, if you’re one of those “pro-active” types, keep in mind that DDOT is aiming to fill every pothole this year within 48 hours, which means the sooner you report one, the sooner it will be fixed. You can request pothole filling services by calling the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center at (202) 727-1000, or online using the District government’s Service Request Center.

Photo by Joshua Davis, used under a Creative Commons license.