JEFFERSON CITY – Although not as dramatic as the name would imply, pavement “blowups” are the summer’s version of potholes.

Blowups are created by a combination of moisture, weakening pavement and temperatures consistently reaching 90 degrees or more across the state, the Missouri Department of Transportation stated.

MoDOT urges motorists to stay aware of road surfaces damaged during the hot summer days and that still are in need of repair.

Pavement blowups are fractures that occur when a roadway surface expands at a crack or joint where moisture has seeped in. That crack weakens the pavement; and the heat causes the pavement to buckle and warp, creating holes in the surface. Despite the term, the pavement does not actually explode.

“Since it is difficult to know where or when a pavement blowup will happen, our maintenance staff continually monitors road conditions on state routes,” MoDOT State Maintenance Director Natalie Roark said. “When you encounter a blowup in the road, slow down and report the location to MoDOT as soon as possible, so our maintenance crews can make repairs. Remember, never make a cellphone call from behind the wheel. Buckle Up Phone Down.”

Motorists can call MoDOT’s toll-free customer service center to report pavement blowups at 1-888-275- 6636.