As global conflicts, like US strikes on Iran and Russia’s war with Ukraine, fuel fears of World War 3, a nuclear historian has revealed 15 US cities that could be targeted in a nuclear attack. Professor Alex Wellerstein’s list, shared with the Daily Mail, mixes surprising small towns with major cities, painting a chilling picture of what could unfold if tensions boil over.
Wellerstein, from Stevens Institute of Technology, explained that Russia would likely target military sites to disrupt US defenses, while rogue actors might aim for symbolic or crowded areas. Great Falls, Montana, with just 60,422 residents, is near Malmstrom Air Force Base, home to nuclear missile silos. Cheyenne, Wyoming (65,168 residents), hosts Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, a nuclear control center, putting it at risk.
In Utah, Ogden and Clearfield (121,737 residents combined) are close to Hill Air Force Base, a nuclear weapons hub. Shreveport, Louisiana (177,959 residents), is home to B-52 bombers capable of nuclear strikes. Honolulu, Hawaii (341,778 residents), with its naval and air bases, recalls the Pearl Harbor attack. Omaha, Nebraska (483,335 residents), near Offutt Air Force Base, and Colorado Springs, Colorado (488,664 residents), home to NORAD, are key military targets.
Albuquerque, New Mexico (560,274 residents), houses Kirtland Air Force Base’s nuclear arsenal. Washington, D.C. (678,972 residents), is a prime target as the nation’s capital. Seattle, Washington (737,015 residents), near Naval Base Kitsap, is vulnerable, with few escape routes. Major cities like San Francisco (873,965 residents), Houston (2.3 million), Chicago (2.6 million), Los Angeles (3.8 million), and New York City (8.8 million) are at risk for their cultural and economic importance.
With Trump’s recent moves, like striking Iran and clashing with China over trade, global tensions are high. Wellerstein’s list is a stark reminder of the stakes, urging us to hope for peace while recognizing the cities that could face catastrophic consequences in a nuclear conflict (Daily Mail).
