Is the hyping of hurricanes for profit??

Hurricane season hype

While talking to a gentlemen at my bar who was previously in the news industry, we had to ask if all the crazy hype for Hurricane Florance is for tv ads and sales. (He clearly stated all news is is find a story that can sell add time, hence his exit from industry) Most of these overhyped storms produce small areas of disaster and large areas of over prepared citizens. And now these citizens are feeling like we have heard media calling wolf too many times. This sets people up for feeling either panic or apathy.

Here in Charlotte, NC we are running out of gas, bottled water and batteries. The coast has been cleared so our hotels are booked with premiun paying guests. Whilst a few companies are doing a service, most have jacked up prices for the week.
So the question remains, is this overzealous prepping for security or profit? I know profit for the weather channel is obvious in this season. Best ratings they get are hurricane and blizzard seasons. But all I see around here, 100s of miles inland, is get prepped with over priced necessities. Screwing those of us just getting by and all the while locals wondering if it's at all necessary.

As you can see I am not going unprepared; I've been freezing purified water and have vodka to combat boredom. We have pb n j for days, and granola and snack foods. Votive candles and a solar charger will get our light and gadgets going for the weekend. And with frozen deli quart containers of water the fridge will be good for about 2 days.

A second couple came in to complain about canceled plans and losing money on said plans.(rich ppl problems) For me and the servers the thoughts were about their friends losing money and having to evacuate, being tons of extra costs. Those costs that are occurred are that which no insurance or news will cover. No angle like this will ever be considered from MSM.