If it has been in the forecast for a few days you take some time to prepare a bit. Gas up your car, get any last minute shopping done etc so you don't have to go out if you can help it. Schools will probably close for a day but workplaces will expect you to give yourself enough time because we all saw it coming.

Lake Effect snow from the Great Lakes is a common thing in my area. We don't get nearly as much as the Buffalo area but forecasts can be real hit or miss. So sometimes a random snow squall will just roll in and dump an inch or three in a few hours. In that case my workplace will be a bit more forgiving about delays but schools will probably stay open.