As Super Storm Sandy, a hurricane of unprecedented proportions, bears down upon the eastern seaboard of the United States, lifeguard Dillan prepares for the mandatory evacuation of Long Beach Island. As he loads is Jeep, his dog Buoy bolts from the vehicle and hightails it through the downpour, over the dune toward the sea. After searching the pounding surf for his best friend in vain, a broken-hearted Dillan is accompanied by police escort to the mainland. Upon his return to the ravaged island, Dillan befriends a mysterious young woman who had taken the slogans Unite + Rebuild and Restore The Shore to heart. As they work side by side to help rebuild the fractured community of Beach Haven, her troublesome past causes Dillan to fear he may be in over his head.