Que. slammed with rain, wind, snow

Stormy weather in Quebec forced dozens of people from their homes along the north and south shores as heavy rains and high winds whipped the coastline.

Further inland, blowing snow in Quebec City and Montreal created difficult driving conditions, and delayed public transit networks.

In the town of Maria, on the Gasp Peninsula, about a dozen homes were evacuated because of high waves that peaked at 10 metres in some areas.

Large chunks of a cliff face fell away further east in Sept-Iles, jeopardizing many houses in the vicinity.

Waves washed up over Route 132 along Baie des Chaleurs, closing several sections of the road between Maria and Carleton.

Officials in the town of St. Ulric in the Gasp's northern region declared a state of emergency because of flooding.

In Matane, strong waves threatened to flood a local hotel.

Public security officials are evaluating the damage so far, and may order more evacuations if warranted.

The intense weather interrupted freight train service in the area but provincial police said they were unable to survey the track's conditions because of rain and high winds.

Ferry service between Baie-Comeau and Matane was cancelled because of poor weather conditions.