Heavy rain and high winds caused the tide in Venice to rise and flood the city waters on Tuesday (December 8).

Floodwater gushed through the streets of the Italian coastal city, and St Mark's Basilica became swamped with water.

The flood barrier system, or the Mose system, forecast the tides would reach as high as 4.2 foot and adjusted its barriers accordingly. However, at 4.40 pm local time, on Tuesday, the tides exceeded the expected level.

idal surges hit Venice causing floods across the historic city after barriers incorrectly predicted the height of the sea.

Floodwater gushed through the streets of the Italian coastal city on Tuesday after heavy rains and strong winds battered the region. St Mark's Basilica was completely covered with water.

The flood barrier system, or the 'Mose system', forecast the tides would reach as high as 4.2ft and adjusted its barriers accordingly. However, at 16.40 local time, the tides had exceeded the expected level.

The system was earlier praised for its effectiveness when it was given its first test in July following severe floods.