A water main break in downtown Irvington forced the closure of two schools and left many businesses high and dry Thursday.

It took crews several tries before they were able to locate the break in the 100-year-old water main, which occurred around 10 p.m. Wednesday. Main Street Middle School and Dows Lane Elementary School were closed because there was no water in the bathrooms and no heat. Businesses also suffered while the main was being repaired.

Officials believe the intense cold is responsible for causing the main to break. Crews hope to have it repaired by midday.