It depends on the exact nature of the failure. Controller errors are usually a complete failure. Media failure (magnetic spots on the disk or failed cells in ssd) are often sporadic and only impact data stored in those spots.
Regardless, drives rarely give you any warning. Look at any warning as a gift and get everything off and replace it ASAP.
Rule of 3’s. You can go 3min without oxygen, 3 hrs without shelter, 3 days without water, and 30 days without food. It is a bit of generalization, but its close enough to set priorities in survival situations.