Venice remains dry as flood barriers pass 1st emergency

Underwater barriers passed their first emergency with flying colors on Saturday, protecting the Italian lagoon city of Venice from a tide that peaked at 130 centimeters, a level that would normally inundate about half of the city. St. Mark's Square, one of the lowest points in the city, remained dry as tourists criss-crossed the space, ignoring the raised walkways put in place each fall agai