Today there was Acqua Alta in Venice. I was Very Happy to have my Wellies. One way Venetians cope is to hang their garbage on their front door knobs to keep it from floating away. At this hotel, the water wasn't quite in the lobby, but lapping higher than they wished, I'm sure. This entrance led to a sidewalk (fondamente), along the canal outside, and I didn't see another way out. In many places, the water is 4-6" high, up against the doors; some areas are wetter than others. In any case, no one seems much bothered by it, which is wonderful.