HIGHEST TIDES IN A DECADE SWAMP VENICE

Venice was inundated by an exceptional high tide Monday, putting three-quarters of the famed Italian lagoon city under water as large swaths of the rest of Italy experienced flooding

and heavy winds that toppled trees, killing four people.

Tourists and residents alike donned high boots to navigate the streets of Venice after strong winds raised the

water level 156 centimetres before receding. The water exceeded the raised walkways normally put out in flooded areas in Venice, forcing their removal. Transport officials closed the water bus system except to outlying islands due to the emergency.

The peak level was the highest reached since December 2008, according to Venice statistics.