Venice Sees Highest Flood Waters in 20 Years
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December 1, 2008
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)The City of Water, Venice, Italy, is seeing its highest flood waters in over 20 years. The so called 'acqua alta' (high water) reached 5 feet above normal this weekend. Nearly all of Venice has been flooded, including popular tourist spots such as the famous Piazza San Marco. The city's mayor, Massimo Cacciari, has warned tourists not to come to Venice, and has warned residents to stay in their homes.
Though Venice has some minor flooding each year, this is the worst since 1986. Weather experts say the flooding was caused by heavy rain and snowfall in northern Italy, as well as very high winds. The waters are expected to recede sometime on Monday, but they are expected to surge again early Tuesday, Venice time.
This is a good reminder to those of us here in the States that flooding can occur when least expected. Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage, and approximately 65% of homeowners do not have flood insurance. Check out the National Flood Insurance Program to see what kind of flood insurance you need for your location--you never know when acqua alta might show up in your neighborhood.
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