Weather warnings blanket much of the country today as many Canadians prepare to travel for the holidays in an effort to connect with family during the festive season.

Environment Canada says heavy snow, strong winds and freezing rain are expected in some areas of Ontario, Quebec and B-C, with extreme cold warnings for Western Canada and wind and rain warnings in the Atlantic provinces.

Forecasters are warning that parts of southern Ontario could be subject to flash-freezing conditions, with rain followed by plummeting temperatures, while other areas may face high winds and blizzard conditions.

Several school boards, including the Toronto District School Board and boards in Ottawa and London, Ontario, have shut schools for the day.

WestJet has proactively cancelled flights due to the weather, with the airline’s C-O-O saying the weather events are — quote — “unlike anything we’ve experienced.”

With Files From the