"Venice Hit By High Tide As Italy Buffeted By Winds; 6 Killed"

"MILAN — Venice was inundated by an exceptional high tide Monday, putting three-quarters of the famed Italian lagoon city under water as large swathes of the rest of Italy experienced flooding and heavy winds that toppled trees and other objects, killing six people.

Tourists and residents alike donned high boots to navigate the streets of Venice after strong winds raised the water level 156 centimeters (over 5 feet) 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 because of the emergency.

Venice frequently floods when high winds push in water from the lagoon, but Monday’s levels were exceptional. The peak level was the highest reached since December 2008, according to Venice statistics."

Colleen Barry reports for the Associated Press October 29, 2018.

SEE ALSO:

"Venice Hit With Worst Flooding In A Decade As Tourists Wade Through Landmarks" (HuffPost)

"Three Quarters Of Venice Just Flooded While Its Costly Flood Gate Sits Unfinished" (Washington Post)

"Death Toll Rises To 11 As Storms Hammer Italy" (Reuters)