Forces like high pressure systems push down sea levels while low pressure systems cause sea levels to rise by up to 30 centimeters. Strong winds blowing towards land can raise water levels by up to a meter. In 1966 in Venice, a storm with strong southeast winds caused water levels to rise to 194 centimeters above normal, flooding 5000 homes. To protect Venice from flooding, the MOSE project was constructed, consisting of a system of floating gates attached to the bottom of the lagoon that can close when water levels reach 1.10 meters above normal to block high waters from entering the lagoon.