Revellers preparing to mark the first full day of the Venice carnival awoke to a flooded lagoon city yesterday when high waters washed over canal walls and flooded St. Mark's square.

Locals and tourists were forced, once again, to walk along raised wooden walkways and carry their luggage in order not to get wet. Cafe chairs and tables sat forlornly in the piazza turned into a lake.

According to Italian media reports the median level of the Adriatic Sea rose to a height of 114 centimeters above sea level, putting some 18 percent of Venice's historic center under water.

While the Venetians are used to the "acqua alta", or "high waters", tourists could be seen wading through the water and posing for photos on the flooded streets. Many had covered their legs and feet with plastic bags or sported thigh-high rubber boots. In some places, it was impossible to distinguish where canals ended and sidewalks began.

Much of Italy has been hit by bad weather in recent days.