Venice is currently flooded (so say's the news reports). I've always wanted to see this natural phenomenon.
So I thought I'd head down there when the NEXT big flood happens.
My questions are:
* Does Venice keep a Predictions probability website --- for example, Venice predicts (based on the tide schedule) that the city will be flooded on X day.
* Does Venice "shut down" during these occurrences. I see photos online where tourists are there so I know they don't shutdown 100% - but do they allow tourists to visit during these times?
No idea about stats and predictions. We visited in November a few years back, and our Hôtel just at the back of Saint Marc's was just on the edge of flooding and we had to use elevated board walks and wellies to cross St Marc's - whereas other parts were dry. It was very interesting and different- our Hôtel (Ai do Mori -simple but perfectly situated) had plenty of wellies to loan in all sizes.
"la Piazza San Marco, uno dei punti più bassi della città, cominci ad allagarsi ci vuole una marea superiore a 80 cm. Per Rialto, davanti ai pontili dei mezzi pubblici, ci vuole una quota di 105 cm mentre davanti alla stazione ferroviaria, un punto della città molto alto, sono necessari 135 cm."
Been there during a flood. Simply put: As it happens regularly are the locals prepared - there will be temporary elevated walk ways across St Marks square and the like. I did not measure them, but guess they were some 50cm up from the ground. Once those are flooded, the city center becomes very difficult to navigate... so I would not go there for the experience...
Not sure about a formal lock down, Italians somehow expect you not to drown yourself...
To each their own, but in my experience a flood in Venice is nothing special. Just grey water with floatsam at St Mark's and other low-lying points. Difficult to move around these parts as boards are narrow and people use them in both directions. Some of the best attractions like part of the basilica, access to Campanile, certain museums inaccessible. Locals grumpy, though at least this should not be many tourists this time of year. The attraction wears off quickly.
Nowadays, short of the flood barrier (MOSE) failing, there will be enough flooding for inconvenience, but nothing spectacular.
I personally don't recommend it - we were once blocked from accessing our hotel until 5 AM. If you do go during a flood, don't go far from your hotel at night.