AKSAR's assessment is correct. Put yourself in the decision maker's shoes. If you soft pedal the hazard and people get into trouble or die, you will be criticized. If you go to the other limit and describe the worst case situation, you will be criticized, but people will be alive. Which situation is preferable?

Authoritative advise is inherently conservative - "Never hike alone" - "Always carry the 10 essentials." These pronouncements are disregarded all the time and folks survive (although the rate may be somewhat lower), probably even by regular members of this forum (like me!). It is still good advice, like the advice to evacuate, and you up the risk if you disregard....