Venice Underwater: The Highest Tide in 50 Years

A record-setting acqua alta has left much of Venice submerged, following stormy conditions blowing in from the Adriatic Sea.

Yesterday, strong winds and rainstorms pushed water levels in Venice, Italy, to the second-highest levels ever recorded. The high-water mark hit 74 inches (187 centimeters), just short of the record set in 1966. This exceptional acqua alta has flooded businesses and historic structures, sank boats, and been blamed for one death so far.