Ray Ferrier is a divorced dockworker living in New Jersey, estranged from his children, Rachel and Robbie. His ex-wife drops them off at Ray's house for a rare weekend visit. Meanwhile, a series of strange lightning storms hits his neighborhood, and at the center of the storm, a massive three-legged war machine emerges from beneath the earth. It releases an unbearable heat ray that incinerates everything in its path. As more alien tripods appear, it becomes clear that Earth is under attack. Ray steals a car that has been modified to work after the EMP disables all other vehicles and flees with his children, seeking refuge amidst the ensuing chaos and destruction.

Their journey becomes increasingly perilous as they witness humanity's desperate attempts to fight back against the alien invaders. Ray's priority is to keep his children safe, leading to tense encounters with both the extraterrestrial threat and other survivors. Among the survivors they meet is Harlan Ogilvy, whose mental state deteriorates due to the stress of the invasion. As Ray struggles to protect his family from the relentless attack and the collapse of society, the true nature of the aliens and their vulnerabilities remain unknown. The fate of humanity hangs in the balance as Ray navigates this new and terrifying world.