Authorities in the French capital are preparing for the worst as record rainfall could force the Seine River to burst its banks
ADVERTISEMENTThe French capital remains on high alert amid fears of a major flood.
After extremely heavy rainfall, the River Seine in Paris continues to rise. In the past century over the New Year period France has only experienced intense downpours like this three times.
The government's "Vigicrues" flood monitoring body showed a slight increase overnight in the levels of the river in the capital, which could get close to peaks last seen in 2016.
The swollen river's already engulfed waterside walkways and forced the Louvre museum to close a basement display of Islamic art.
It has also resulted in the famous "Bateaux Mouches" tourist boats being shut down and even rats have sought shelter onto the streets of Paris due to high waters.
Flooding caused destruction in Paris in 1910 when the Seine rose by 8.65 metres.