AKIPRESS.COM - Venice has been hit by its highest tide in more than 50 years, leaving much of the popular tourist destination flooded, Sky News reports.

City officials said the tide peaked at 187cm (6.14ft) at 10.50pm on Tuesday, just short of the 194cm seen in 1966.

Many of the city's historic squares were left deep underwater.

Visitors were forced to make their way along temporary platforms above the water, while others donned wet weather gear and sloshed through the floods.

Cafes, stores and other businesses were inundated by high water and nursery schools were closed as a precaution.