While some shoppers did venture into Norwich city centre, it was not a normal Wednesday for traders.
The vast majority of stores were open against the elements, with Jarrold and jeweller H Samuel among the only ones around Gentleman's Walk to close their doors.
But the situation was reversed on Norwich Market, where only a handful of businesses opened their shutters.
Among them were Nick Brewer of Churros and Chorizo, who said he was still selling Spanish doughnuts, sausage sandwiches and stews to a reduced number of punters.
'I opened up at 9am and have had a few customers,' he said. 'We get a lot of regulars from places in the city who come every day, but I haven't seen any of them yet.
Barclay Gray of Lucy's Chips was busy chopping and frying potatoes ready for lunchtime, but was not expecting the normal rush.
'We usually have a few people come in from the city for lunchtime, but not yet – there are just a few brave souls walking around,' he said.
Butchers' stall Bakers of Norwich was open for business – Jordan Skeet, manning the counter, said a number of customers had come in search of joints of meat for cold-weather comfort food like stews.
He added: 'Because the buses have stopped, that has affected us because a lot of our customers use them.'
Gemma Whitham was at her stall The Cheeseman at 8am, but said trade had been slow.
'Buses not running and people not being able to get into the city will affect us – people won't walk in if they do not have to,' she said.
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