Venice wading through historically high water levels

ITALY (FOX 13) - There has been unusual weather in Venice, leaving the city underwater.

The Italian city has seen high water levels, and are rising to their highest in four years. City officials have set up makeshift sidewalks around the city, made out of wooden platforms for visitors and locals to stay above water while walking around the city.

Some even wear plastic boots to stay dry. The high water levels are said to be a result of strong tides caused by a winter wind called, “The Bora.” According to WeatherOnline, the bora is a cold and usually dry gusty wind from the northeast. The peak frequency is in the cold season, between November and March.

Changes in the water levels are common throughout the year, but usually not to this extreme.