Venice Flooding

On December 1, 2008, the city center of Venice, Italy, was flooded when the tide came in at 61 inches, 20 inches over flood stage. Workers were unable to install the raised wooden walkways normally used in these circumstances, because the water was so high. The water subsided as the low tide came in that afternoon.New York Times: Historic Center of Venice Flooded (December 1, 2008)

Flooding in Venice is not a new phenomenon. Floods have been recorded in Venice since the 13th century.Bloomberg: Venice Deluged as Highest Tides Since 1986 Drench Historic City (December 1, 2008) During the Great Flood of 1966 the floods reached 76 inches, or three feet above flood stage. Five thousand people were evacuated.Bloomberg: Venice Deluged as Highest Tides Since 1986 Drench Historic City (December 1, 2008)

The frequency of floods has increased over time. St. Mark's Square flooded 10 times a year in 1900 but today floods 60 times a year. The city is thought to be sinking at a rate of 10 centimeters per year.London Daily Mail: Where's a gondola when you need one? (December 1, 2008)

A 4.1 billion euro flood defense system is in progress but will not be ready until 2011.London Daily Mail: Where's a gondola when you need one? (December 1, 2008)