Time will tell. The thing is just under 500 miles across. Even though it is currently expected to miss by a decent margin the effects will probably be felt well inland in the region.
The coverage I have been seeing (CH9 Manchester and ABC) has not been that hysterical. They are suggesting precautions but not telling folks to board-up. I've just laid-in additional supplies of crackers, canned fruit and juices. I cleaned my water bottles and will fill them later if it starts to look more threatening.
TV sells by having more people watch. They get more ratings by piquing folks intrest by wonderring if they are going to die. On the bright side, it is better than down-playing the possibilities and having folks die in ignorance which has happenned way too often. An example of that is "Katrina" where even the governor ignored warnings to make preperations.
Good luck to you and anyone else in the storm-track.
Just read this in The Globe, as of 734am. NWS is saying Early may pass within 30 miles of the coast.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/09/forecasters_ext.html