Lanesha lives in the Ninth Ward in New Orleans. It's a poor neighborhood, and her family has never had much money. Her only family is her grandma, Mama Ya-Ya, since Lanesha's own mom died giving birth to her. Mama Ya-Ya makes her feel so special and loved, with homemade southern cooking, and plenty of together time. Mama Ya-Ya has a special gift, where she can see ghosts, and has magical healing powers that help the sick. Some of the neighbors are skeptical, but Lanesha knows it's true, because she has the same power to see ghosts, inlcuding her mom.

The weathermen on the news start to warn everyone that a big hurricane is headed for Florida. As the storm hits land, and moves closer to Louisiana, it grows in size, and everyone is told to evacuate. But Lanesha and Mama Ya-Ya have no money and nowhere to go. Mama Ya-Ya's health isn't doing so well. Lanesha is determined to take matters into her own hands, and help them survive. This storm may be more than they can handle!