Photo: Reuters

Floodwaters in Paris are set to peak on Friday with the River Seine due to reach 6m above its normal level, the BBC reports.

The world-famous Louvre and Orsay museums have been shut so staff can move priceless artworks to safety.

At least 11 people have died in the past week – 10 in southern Germany, one in France. Thousands have been forced from their homes.

More downpours are forecast through the weekend across a band of central Europe from France to Ukraine.

As much as 50mm of rain is expected to fall in some regions in just a few hours.

Several towns in southern Germany have been devastated. Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands and Poland have also been affected.