Messy roads for shopping

(Update)

Here’s the latest on a winter storm that’s already hitting parts of Ontario. A freezing rain warning has been lifted for Hamilton. But its still in effect for Halton and most the GTA.

Rain and freezing rain made for some slippery conditions on the roads. And a few storm systems are heading our way.

It’s also the last Friday before Christmas and shoppers are feeling the last minute pinch to get their Christmas shopping finished. Friday night’s freezing rain warning wasn’t enough to keep shoppers away from the Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills. We caught up with shoppers determined to get everyone on their list checked off.

The pouring rain that left icicles on trees, signs and the pavement didn’t scare shoppers driving to Halton Hills.

Carlton from Hamilton: “No no no, because it’s Christmas and I want to come and shop!”

But when shoppers felt their feet slide on the icy pavement it made some think about heading home from Toronto Premium Outlets early: “Yes a little bit ya, the roads are slippery so we’re a little afraid of accidents and stuff but it’s the friday before xmas right? I know, gotta get shopping done? Yes, almost done.”

General Manager Megan Johnson says last weekends heavy snowfall didn’t stop shoppers from coming. She expects this weekend to be just as busy when thousands of people are expected to come pick up their last minute gifts: “Not at all we have learned that snow, rain hail, does not stop people from coming out here.”

Even though the weather outside is frightful, the deals inside are delightful: “Good deals? Ya, good deals.”

Ryan from Kitchener: “I’m always in the mood to shop no matter what the weather’s like.”

James from Kitchener: “Slippery, almost fell a couple of times but that didn’t deter you from shopping? No, it’s Christmas time.”

“Things have to get done so we’re trying to get as much as we can today. When do you plan on heading here? shortly.”

Johnson says there’s a plan in place to tackle what’s coming this way Saturday afternoon. Snow removal trucks and salters ready to go to make it safe for shoppers to do their shopping here.