A massive pothole on Interstate 459 that caused tire blowouts to seven vehicles is being blamed on the wet and cold weather conditions in recent weeks.

“These issues are being caused by the ice and extreme cold we had last week coupled with the heavy rains experienced this week,’’ said Alabama Department of Transportation spokeswoman Linda Crockett.

The incident happened about 6 p.m. Thursday on I-459 northbound just past Interstate 65.

Rocky Ridge Assistant Fire Chief Michael Bartlett said the pothole has been there for a while but appeared to have dramatically worsened on Thursday.

The seven drivers hit the pothole one right after the other.

First responders were able to move most of the vehicles to the side of the interstate, and firefighters changed at least three tires at the scene.

No injuries were reported.

Crockett said ALDOT crews repaired the pothole Thursday evening as soon as they were notified by law enforcement.

Drivers whose vehicles sustained damage can go online to the Alabama Department of Adjustment and fill out the Property Damage Form for possible reimbursement. They must have documentation.

Those forms can be found here.