RALEIGH, N.C. — An ice storm, a couple of snow storms, and bitter cold temperatures all add up to one thing: potholes. They happen most years, but this year is turning out to be one of the worst years some people have ever seen for potholes.

Road crews are trying to keep up with the repairs, but they claim it is a big task.

"This is the worst I've ever seen it. We had one year in the '70s that was the worst. At this time that year everytime it rained, we'd have potholes, but this year [with] those two three little ice storms, I've never seen nothing like it. I mean we patch the same pothole twice a week." said maintenance worker Larry Baker.

City and town workers from all over the Triangle and crews with the state Department of Transportation have everyone out that they can get out on pothole patching duty. But when you hit one, it just seems like not enough is being done.

"I'm concerned because we're paying taxes and we want to know where the money is going," driver Sherry Capps said. "I know it's tight times, but we don't want to buy new cars every four years and have to go through this and get them realigned and all of that."

Officials with the Raleigh Street Department and DOT officials said it will be March before crews get ahead of the potholes. In the meantime, concerned residents should call the DOT Hotline at

1-877-DOT-4-YOU

, or their city or town and report the pothole.