Rome (dpa) - Rescue crews in Italy were searching for two missing people on Sunday morning after devastating storms and heavy floods swept away cars and bridges, and inundated homes.

Initial reports from authorities put the number of dead so far at two, according to the Ansa news agency. Most people who had been reported missing - up to 20 at times - have been found as of Sunday, but authorities continue to warn of flood hazards.

Cities in the Piedmont region were especially hard hit, with the mayor of Limone Piemonte in the Cuneo province speaking of a "catastrophic situation" in his city overwhelmed by flooding.

In parts of north-western Italy, the amount of rainfall between Friday and Saturday hadn't been seen in some 60 years.

In Venice, the Mose flood protection system faced its first real test and seemed to have worked: Despite high water levels, St Mark's Square stayed dry.

Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro spoke of a "historic day" for the lagoon city. "In the presence of a tide that would have flooded the city [...] we have shown that Mose works," he said in a statement.

South-eastern France also felt the effects of the storms, with people in the hinterland of the city of Nice cut off from the outside world. Residents were being provided food and water.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex said that the army has been deployed to help and expressed worry about "the final balance" as at least eight people were said to be missing on Saturday.