Venice flooding: City inundated by exceptional high tide

Venice was inundated by an exceptional high tide in late October 2018, putting three-quarters of the famed Italian lagoon city under water. Much of Italy experienced flooding and heavy winds that toppled trees, killing several people.

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

Tourists wade through water in the flooded St. Mark's Square during a high-water alert in Venice on Mon., Oct. 29, 2018. 

St. Mark's Square

A view of a flooded St. Mark's Square during a period of seasonal high water in Venice, Italy, on Mon., Oct. 29, 2018.

Rialto Bridge

Tourists walk in the flooded streets near Rialto Bridge during a high-water alert in Venice on Mon., Oct. 29, 2018.

St. Mark's Square

People walk in a flooded St. Mark's Square during a period of seasonal high water in Venice, Italy, on Mon., Oct. 29, 2018.

Flooded arches

Tourists walk under arches next to the flooded St. Mark's Square in Venice on October 29, 2018. The flooding, caused by a convergence of high tides and a strong Sirocco wind, reached nearly five feet high in some areas.

St. Mark's Square

A man sits on a chair in the flooded St. Mark's Square.

St. Mark's Square

A view of a flooded St. Mark's Square during a period of seasonal high water in Venice.

St. Mark's Square

A man walks in the flooded St. Mark's Square.

Riva degli Schiavoni

People walk in the flooded Riva degli Schiavoni during a high-water alert in Venice on Mon., Oct. 29, 2018.

St. Mark's Square

A man tries to protect his shop from the weather in the flooded streets near St. Mark's Square.

Flooded street

A man empties a bucket of water on a flooded street during a high-water alert in Venice.

Tourists experience a high-water alert

Tourists walk in the flooded streets during a high-water alert in Venice on Mon., Oct. 29, 2018.

Flooded street

People walk in a flooded street in Venice.

Catwalk over flooding

People walk on footbridges in the flooded St. Mark's Square in Venice, Oct. 29, 2018.

St. Mark's Square

A couple walk through high water in a flooded St. Mark's Square during a period of seasonal high water in Venice, Italy, on Oct. 29, 2018.