Heavy rains and high winds left Venice almost completely flooded last year in December after surrounding sea levels rose to their highest in 22 years. Chairs of outdoor cafes could be seen almost fully submerged, while some luxury stores were also flooded. Officials said more than 99 percent of the city was under water and that sea levels in the Adriatic rose 1.56 meters (61 inches) -- a level not seen since 1986. It was the fourth-highest level recorded over the past century.
