After paleoclimatologist Jack Hall is largely ignored by U.N. officials when presenting his environmental concerns about the beginning of a new Ice Age, his research proves true when a superstorm develops, setting off catastrophic natural disasters throughout the world. Trying to get to his son, Sam, who is trapped in New York City with his friend Laura and others, Jack and his crew must travel by foot from Philadelphia, braving the icy elements, to get to Sam before it's too late.