Louvre, Orsay museums close as Seine overflows in Paris

PARIS (AP) — The rising waters of the Seine overflowed riverbanks, roads and rail tracks across Paris on Thursday, forcing authorities at the Louvre to do something they have not done in generations: hurriedly move precious artworks to higher ground.

Paris police upgraded their flood warning Thursday to "orange" — the second-highest level — for areas near the Seine, which means they believe the floods could have "a significant impact" on buildings and people.

European rivers have burst their banks this week from Paris to the southern German state of Bavaria, killing six people, trapping thousands and forcing everything from subway lines to castles to museums to shut down.

Days of heavy rains have caused exceptional delays to the French Open tennis tournament and may force it into a third week.

[...] it's kind of nature taking over.

French President Francois Hollande said a "natural disaster" will be formally declared next week for areas most affected by the flooding — and a separate fund will help villages and small towns deal with the damages.