A water main break in Pelham forced the closure of several streets and flooded out area basements Thursday. According to Department of Public Works crews, a 16-inch main underneath 5th Avenue burst at about 5 a.m., flooding streets and basements within a two-block radius. Power and water had to be shut off in parts of the area and several of Pelham's schools were on a two-hour delay due to low water pressure.

Fire officials say the pipe?s old age is most likely the cause of the break. While the pipe was being fixed, 5th Avenue was closed from Lincoln Avenue to 7th Street and 6th Street was shut down from 4th to 6th avenues. Businesses on 5th Avenue had to close due to lack of power or flooding.

Many residences were also flooded from the main break. Homeowners say they were just recovering from last year?s nor?easter when they were hit with more flooding from the water main break.