Beth and John, a married couple with a penchant for adoption, living in rural Washington state, take in Charlie and his eight year old granddaughter Bobbie, refugees from the destruction of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. But an extended storm sets in, and the newcomers become convinced that fate has it in for them. As a feverish illness strikes their guests, Beth's and John's fears of contagion cause them to panic. Their estranged, adopted daughter returns home to find that she may be the only one who can avert a very human disaster.