"How may times would you evacuate, leave behind pets and then return to find it was a false alarm? It is human nature."

I put this in a separate answer on purpose.

I agree with you entirely - but in litigious USA - last time people wanted to sue for damages when they were left to drown - it was good fortune this time - there are a few more 'weather occurrences' headed that way I hear.

Either way, the powers in charge will be criticised, I suppose.