Cars trapped in ice on east side after water main break

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Below freezing temperatures and a water main break makes for a tough situation on Milwaukee's east side. 

Multiple cars near Franklin and Pleasant were frozen in several inches of ice after a water line broke Tuesday night. 

Rachel Weiss was getting ready to leave for work when she noticed her car was trapped. 

“I didn’t realize how bad it was at first. The entire road froze solid," said Weiss. “The ice comes down to the bottom of my car. It’s probably completely glued down there so I’m just hoping there’s no internal damage.”

The Milwaukee Water Works says the break wasn't severe, but the weather played a large part. 

“The snow and ice buildup, the cars parked very close to each other, the water had no place to go. So, it stayed in place and froze," said Patrick Pauly, the City of Milwaukee Superintendent in a meeting. 

On Thursday morning, Department of Public Works (DPW) and Water Works crews were working to break up several inches of ice after a water main break trapped several cars on this block.

“The sun’s out, the temperatures are improving, we should make some progress on that," said Pauly. 

Pauly says the leak has been repaired and crews are placing calcium chloride on the ice to help it melt faster. He's encouraging people to move their cars once it does. 

“If they’re not moved, they will likely refreeze again," said Pauly. 

Weiss says it's advice she plans on taking. 

“I’m happy about that. I’m very happy," said Weiss. "I don’t know, I’m gonna park on hills next time. Higher up.”