75% of Venice under water after unusually high tide strikes famed city

Venice’s iconic piazzas are covered in water, not pigeons, as three-quarters of the city is submerged following a storm system that brought strong winds, rose water levels, and toppled trees.

Water levels rose more than five feet (156cm / 61.4 inches), with photos showing locals and tourists wading their way through it.

Speaking on Monday, Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said a series of underwater barriers would have prevented the rising water levels.

Much of Italy is under flooding alerts following heavy rains on Sunday and Monday, with high winds and toppled trees leading to at least five deaths.