At least 11 people have been killed in Italy amid three days of storms and flooding which left as much as 75% of the canal city of Venice under water.
Winds of up to 110 mph were reported, and two tornadoes struck the centre of the coastal town of Terracina, killing one person and leaving ten others injured.
Rising floodwaters overwhelmed many of the squares and walkways in Venice.
St Mark’s Square was closed on Monday afternoon, after the water level reached more than 5ft – the fourth highest level on record.
The lagoon city’s St Mark’s Square remained under water for a second day yesterday while adjacent St Mark’s Basilica was flooded by almost 3ft of water.
Six people died across Italy on Monday and further deaths were confirmed yesterday.
Some of the worst conditions were reported on the west coast, particularly in Liguria in the north-west.
The outer breakwater wall in the port of Rapallo was destroyed as its reinforced concrete crumbled, causing damage to some yachts moored at the resort.
Firefighters had to go to the rescue of 19 people after they became trapped in Rapallo.
The nearby resort town of Portofino was cut off by a landslide while video showed seawater pouring through the fishing village of Vernazza further to the south.
The bad weather is expected to continue throughout the week.
British travellers to Italy have been urged to follow the advice of local authorities.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in latest travel advice: “There are severe weather conditions in the regions of Abruzzo, Liguria, Lombardia, Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia e Trentino Alto Adige.
“Strong winds are affecting much of Italy, as well as high seas along the coastal areas.”