As temperatures fell below freezing Tuesday, a water main gave way in Medford.

The Suffolk Water Authority responded to the scene on Sipp Avenue shortly after 3 p.m. Authorities said the weather may have been to blame. 

"When the ground freezes, it causes external pressure on the pipes," said Tim Motz, an SCWA spokesman. "It causes a great deal of water main breaks in the winter."

The incident left 15 nearby homes without water -- which also affected their heating systems.

"We have baseboard heating, and the water as to run through there," explained Jose Lomax, one of the residents.

Outside, the deep freeze hampered crews working to repair the main break. Officials said they expected to restore service by 2 a.m.

Across Long Island, people everywhere were dealing with the cold.

"Layer up," advised Andre Kollie, of Bay Shore. "Make sure you start your car early, you know, get the heat running."