When astronomer Dr. Lily McKee (Annabella Sciorra) discovers a massive asteroid hurtling towards the earth, she quickly sends her young son to the safety of his grandfather in Dallas, and contacts the director of the Federal Emergency Management, Jack Wallach (Michael Biehn). The huge fireball hits Kansas with devastating consequences, transforming the city into a hellish maelstrom of rubble and fire. But as Jack and the local firefighters race to rescue victims, Lily sights a second, even larger asteroid - heading straight for Texas.