Venice is experiencing the highest tide in 50 years. The exceptionally intense “acqua alta” peaked at 1.87m (6ft), according to the tide monitoring centre. Since 1923, when the records began, only once the tide has been higher, reaching 1.94m in 1966.
People have been traveling through the city on raised pathways wherever they can, but the city has closed many shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as many tourist attractions.
St Mark’s Square is particularly affected, as it is located in one of the lowest parts of the city – the lowest point in Venice is at +64 cm right in front of the main entrance of Saint Mark’s Basilica. The famous Church was flooded for the sixth time in 1,200 years, according to records.
Italy was hit by heavy rainfall on Tuesday with further bad weather expected in the coming days. The tide level will remain very high.
Please be advised that the telephone lines at the Venice monitor centre have been damaged. For any updates on the situation we suggest to keep monitoring their website https://www.comune.venezia.it/content/centro-previsioni-e-segnalazioni-maree and their Twitter account @ICPSMVenezia.
Please do not hesitate to contact our offices for any further information or advice.