Shoppers check off Christmas lists ahead of winter storm

GLENDALE (WITI) -- While there are four days left until Christmas there are just hours before the forecasted snow begins to fall making shopping more stressful for those looking for last-minute gifts.

Most shoppers say they made it a point to get out early on Saturday, December 21st in the hopes of beating the storm. Bayshore Town Center was packed with people all afternoon.

"We're doing it today because we're going to hunker down for the rest of the night tonight and probable until Monday," said Mark Olson.

While most people were checking items off their Christmas lists, some hardware stores say they sold out of winter supplies ahead of the storm.

"It was swamped with people all looking for ice melters, shovels, scrapers, roof rakes -- we had a few pallets of everything this morning and by 10:30 it was gone," said Jennifer Zielke with Sterling True Value.

Those who didn't plan ahead may find themselves out of luck for most of the week as holiday delivery schedules mean snow supplies won't be back in stock until after Christmas.

"From what I understand everyone in the neighborhood is out of salt. Nobody can find any," said Zielke. "I'm sure there will be more, but not today."

The snowfall is expected to begin late Saturday night and continue into Sunday.