We're likely to see more of this with climate change, right? Major snows in areas that can't handle it. Typhoons|Cyclones|Hurricanes hitting areas that can't handle it, etc.

It is a big deal when an area gets a weather event that is not normal for that area because they cannot handle it and don't have the tools or people with experience in the area to deal with it. I think the freaking out is justified because it may help save lives - people in the affected area are more likely to hear about it and hopefully react accordingly.