WINNIPEG -- The warm weather over the weekend may have stirred up some spring fever, but as the ground thaws and temperatures rise, so does the city's pesky pothole problem.

READ MORE: Be prepared to dodge at lot more potholes in Winnipeg this spring

Manitoba Public Insurance said there have been a handful of claims related to pothole damage so far this season. There are typically more than 1,000 claims a year, MPI said.

However, the public insurer offered some tips Monday for driving on cratered streets:

  • Reduce the vehicle speed when approaching a pothole. The greater the speed usually results in more severity in damage.
  • Do not swerve; you might hit a vehicle beside you.
  • Try to avoid driving in a lane which is water covered; potholes could be under the water.
  • Check your tires; make sure they are properly inflated and have enough tread.

Although March and April are the worst for potholes on city streets, the craters came earlier this year because of the warmer winter weather.

Pothole patching crews were already out at the beginning of February to try and smooth out the roads.