I Don't Get It

I don't get it. According to Forbes (http://tinyurl.com/3rfvg6y),
there are at least 28 deaths because of Hurricane Irene. Was the
hurricane the major destruction event as forecast?

No.

But was it still destructive, "even if" it was "just" mostly water damage?

Yes.

And, going by the areas near where I live, the wind did enough damage
to split trees, fell trees, and cause major power disruptions.

Was it Katrina?

No, thanking God.

But ask a family member of one of the people who died or one of my
neighbors who have a flooded basement or flooded living room or garage
because the builder didn't do the flashing right, if at all, and they
will tell you it was bad enough.

I don't get it.

Are we at the point where a hurricane is "nothing" if it hits land at
category 1 levels?