Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE TIDE IS HIGH
Sirens on a winter's afternoon don't send Venetians into a panic - though they might sport rubber boots at happy
hour. The alarm from 16 sirens throughout the city is a warning that
acque alte
(high tide) is expected to reach the
city within two to four hours. Venetians aren't often surprised: most monitor Venice's Centro Maree 48-hour tidal
forecast at at
www.comune.venezia.it
for winter-spring high-tide warnings.
Acque alte
sirens aren't heard that often. Water levels only reach 110cm above normal lagoon levels four to six
times a year, usually between November and April. When alarms sound, it's not an emergency situation but a
temporary tide that principally affects low-lying areas. Within five hours, the tide usually ebbs, and you can hear
tidal waters gurgling into the city's drains like a giant bathtub.
»
One even tone
(up to 110cm above normal): barely warrants a pause in happy-hour conversation.
»
Two rising tones
(up to 120cm): you might need
stivali di gomma
(rubber boots).
»
Three rising tones
(around 130cm): check Centro Maree online to see where
passarelle
(gangplank walk-
ways) are in use.
»
Four rising tones
(140cm and up): shopkeepers close up early, sliding flood barriers across their doorsteps.
