Why do they say “could” at this point? The operative word here is “will”. Using “could” downplay the severity of this and, even if only slightly, lowers the likelihood that people who are in danger will evacuate. Using “could” is irresponsible at this point.
I think they are clarifying due to what has happened with Ubisoft. They’re also using it as an opportunity to spread the word farther that they won’t do the same thing.