Ever since the hurricane incident the meteorologists in the UK have played it safe with more emphasis being put on the worst scenario happening. I've noticed the same here since the killer floods in La Plata a couple of years ago when the forecasters came in for some stick from Government officials - unfairly as it was more down to inefficiencies in the areas flood defences than anything else.
Since then every storm forecast to hit here seems to get blown out of all proportion leaving everyone in a state of panic....me included. I can't say I blame them if they end up being the fall guys.