When it comes to preparing for weather storms, I find that it is wise to prepare for it (even if it turns out to be weaker than forecasted) than to not prepare and be surprised if it intensifies and causes damage. That's likely why the media tells us to "get ready!". Yes, it gets them ratings but the lesson is to be ready.
Tropical Storm Hillary was a clear example when it passed through SoCal last August. It was all over the news. We all prepared. Southwest issued a travel advisory and proactively changed/canceled a bunch of SoCal flights ahead of the storm.
A bunch of heavy rains arrived which painted the SoCal hillsides green in the middle of summer but the winds were moderate and not a whole lot of thunder and lightning. Had the winds come in stronger than forecasted and had Southwest and SoCal not prepare, the damage would have been much worse.
