Photo Ed: Venice flooded by highest water levels in 22 years

People walk on a flooded quay of the Grand canal of Venice on December 1, 2008. Venice suffered its worst flooding in 22 years as the "acqua alta" (high water) stood more than 1.56 metres deep before beginning to recede in the Renaissance city. AFP PHOTO / ANDREA PATTARO

People wade through high water in front of the Doge's Palace, left, in Venice's St. Mark's Square, northern Italy, Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. Water in Venice has risen to its highest level in more than 20 years, leaving much of the Italian city under floods and forcing residents and tourists to wade through knee-high water. City officials say the sea level topped 156 centimeters (61 inches) on Monday, well past the 110 centimeter (40 inch) flood mark, with most streets submerged. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)

High water covers a cafe's table and chairs in Venice's St. Mark's Square, northern Italy, Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. Water in Venice has risen to its highest level in more than 20 years, leaving much of the Italian city under floods and forcing residents and tourists to wade through knee-high water. City officials say the sea level topped 156 centimeters (61 inches) on Monday, well past the 110 centimeter (40 inch) flood mark, with most streets submerged. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)

Pedestrians wade through flood waters, past a gondola, in Venice December 1, 2008. Large parts of Venice were flooded on Monday as heavy rains and strong winds lashed the lagoon city, with sea levels at their highest level in 22 years. Ferry and water taxi services in the city were suspended and Venice's mayor urged people to stay indoors. Tourists and residents struggled to get across the city over raised walkways. The Centro Maree, which forecasts water levels, said sea levels in the Adriatic rose 1.56 metres (5.1 ft) -- a level not seen since 1986. REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri

Gondoliers eat breakfast while sitting in flood waters in Venice December 1, 2008. Large parts of Venice were flooded on Monday as heavy rains and strong winds lashed the lagoon city, with sea levels at their highest level in 22 years. Ferry and water taxi services in the city were suspended and Venice's mayor urged people to stay indoors. Tourists and residents struggled to get across the city over raised walkways. The Centro Maree, which forecasts water levels, said sea levels in the Adriatic rose 1.56 metres (5.1 ft) -- a level not seen since 1986. REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri

Customers stand in flood waters in a pastry shop in Venice December 1, 2008. Large parts of Venice were flooded on Monday as heavy rains and strong winds lashed the lagoon city, with sea levels at their highest level in 22 years. Ferry and water taxi services in the city were suspended and Venice's mayor urged people to stay indoors. Tourists and residents struggled to get across the city over raised walkways. The Centro Maree, which forecasts water levels, said sea levels in the Adriatic rose 1.56 metres (5.1 ft) -- a level not seen since 1986. REUTERS/Michele Crosera

People wade through high water in Venice's St. Mark's Square, northern Italy, Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. Water in Venice has risen to its highest level in more than 20 years, leaving much of the Italian city under floods and forcing residents and tourists to wade through knee-high water. City officials say the sea level topped 156 centimeters (61 inches) on Monday, well past the 110 centimeter (40 inch) flood mark, with most streets submerged. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)