Torrential rains on Sunday forced the evacuation of hundreds of homes in east-central France and cut two major highways, rescue services said.
  
More storms were on the way in the same region and were set to extend to the south, said France's meteorological office, which warned drivers to avoid minor roads and told people living in floodable zones to take precautions.
  
A fisherman reported missing after having gone out in his boat Saturday on the Loire river, which was rising rapidly due to the heavy rain, turned out to be safe at home.
  
He told police he had called off his trip because of the weather. Police divers and a rescue helicopter had been called out to search for him Sunday.
  
On Sunday, the A6 motorway, France's main north-south axis, was closed for several hours due to flooding between Paris and Lyon.
  
The A46 between Lyon and Saint-Etienne to the south was also closed down by the flooding and rail officials said trains services in the area would be cancelled at least until Tuesday.
  
Hundreds of people had to be evacuated from their homes in various regions in east-central France due to the flooding or for fear of rivers bursting their banks, officials said
  
Some areas suffered power cuts due to the rains that belted down overnight Saturday-Sunday, causing mudslides in some areas as well as damage to homes, businesses and vehicles.