Most years Venice floods, it is usually just a matter of degree.  Often Temporary footbridges in St. Mark's Square need to be erected, like the year I was there. But this year they were removed as the risk rose that they would be swept away by the fast rising waters. The city is currently on orange flood alert -for a "very sustained tide" of between 110 and 139 cm. The highest red alert level is for "an exceptionally hightide" of 140 cm or more above sea level.

Shortly before dawn, sirens rang out across the city to warn residents and tourists that the water level had risen above 110 centimetres. Later in the morning, the level had risen to 140 centimetres above sea level. 

Temporary footbridges in St. Mark's Square, typically put down for pedestrians when the area floods, were removed by local authorities as the risk rose that they would be swept away by the fast rising waters. 

Residents in boots could be seen making their way along flooded pavement. 

The city is currently on orange flood alert -for a "very sustained tide" of between 110 and 139 cm. The highest red alert level is for "an exceptionally hightide" of 140 cm or more above sea level. Venice residents also received warning text messages on their mobile phones, which are sent outfortides of 110cmormore.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Most+
Venice+under+water/3926665/story.html
 
 

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