The highest tide in 53 years has flooded Venice, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. Two people are reported to have died due to the effects of heavy storms and the resulting high water levels. 

About 85 percent of the floating city is approximately one meter under water including the famous St Mark's Square. However the high water mark has so far fallen just short of the record – 1.94 meters, registered in 1966.

One brave resident decided to swim across the famous piazza, but others have enjoyed the strange weather less. Pictures show many damaged boats on the canals and the city's mayor said the situation constituted an emergency, describing events as "a wound that will leave indelible signs." He added that the flooding was "the result of climate change." 

With more bad weather expected on Wednesday and later in the week, there does not seem to be any let up for the northern Italian city.