Europe floods: Seine could peak at 6.5 metres as Louvre closes doors

At least 12 people killed across northern Europe in week of storms that have flooded villages and wrecked roads

• Europe flooding: have you been affected?

Flood waters flowing through Paris have swelled the river Seine to 6 metres above its normal level, with a peak level of up to 6.5 metres expected later on Friday, as the Louvre museum closed its doors to the public to allow priceless artworks to be moved up from its basement.

After days of torrential rains, the French government has issued an orange alert for central Paris. The river's record high was 8.6 metres during the devastating floods of 1910.