Nuclear winter has begun. The people of Aspen Hill can expect more than half a year of snows, and bitter temperatures like nothing they've seen before. The winter after the Gulf of Mexico burned was brutal for the unprepared town, and while they'd been strengthened by their experiences they faced even worse now.

As Mayor, Matt Larson must lead the town through this difficult time, while facing the joys and challenges of being a new father. Trev Smith continues to lead the town's defenses, even as he looks forward to spending his life with Deb. Lewis Halsson, struggling to overcome his grief, focuses hard on his reloading business and the future he's trying to build for his family.

If they can make it through the winter, that's only the beginning since they must scramble to grow, forage, and hunt for the food they need. Summer will be all too short, and who knows how many nuclear winters they'll face before things get back to normal. And while the Gold Bloc forces were defeated and have retreated from Utah, they continue their raids and prove a constant threat. The town's future looks hopeful, but their challenges are by no means over.