Yes, technology makes us more aware of the details of all tropical storms - so too does the simple fact that now a much larger portion of America lives by the exposed ocean (rather than inland waterways, natural sheltered ports, etc...). We all want to live by the beach.
My point is, if you lived in Florida or anywhere along the Atlantic or Gulf Coasts 170 years ago, there was very little way to know a hurricane was headed your way....or the intensity of the hurricane.....