In Dade County, Florida, disgruntled taxpayer Harry Kee angrily protests a huge IRS bill by wiring up a box of explosives and hijacking a school bus full of special-needs children. Although the kids are terrified, Marta Caldwell, the bus' Cuban-born driver, remains calm and collected throughout the ordeal, not only helping her charges survive the crisis, but also providing comfort and support to a teacher's aide on the verge of a diabetic seizure. But while Marta keeps her head about her, the kidnapper grows more and more unhinged, and the police surround the hijacked bus, ready to shoot to kill if necessary.

After heavy rain, the Mississippi is breaking it's banks flooding small towns. Richard Thomas and Kate Vernon realise their town is next on the hit list. Lots and lots of sand bags might not do the trick but a huge explosion might. In the meantime the plot is filled up with a predictable story about a family dreading their mistake of staying behind when they become entrapped in their own home.