Nuclear war is a nightmare scenario that many people fear and hope to avoid. However, in the event of a nuclear conflict, some cities may be more vulnerable than others due to their strategic, economic, or political importance. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the cities in the US that are most likely to be targeted in a nuclear attack by Russia, according to experts and analysts. We’ll also highlight one city in Colorado that may surprise you with its high-risk status.
The Six Most Likely Targets
According to Irwin Redlener, a disaster preparedness expert at Columbia University, there are six cities in the US that are more likely to be targeted in a nuclear attack by Russia than any other. These are:
- New York, NY: The largest and most populous city in the US, New York is also a global financial, cultural, and media hub. It hosts the headquarters of the United Nations, the New York Stock Exchange, and many multinational corporations. It also has several military bases and nuclear power plants nearby.
- Washington, DC: The capital and seat of government of the US, Washington is home to the White House, the Congress, the Supreme Court, and many federal agencies and departments. It also hosts the Pentagon, the CIA, the NSA, and other military and intelligence facilities. It is the center of political power and decision-making in the US.
- Chicago, IL: The third-largest and most populous city in the US, Chicago is also a major economic, transportation, and industrial center. It is the hub of the Midwest region, connecting the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. It also has several nuclear power plants and military bases in the vicinity.
- Los Angeles, CA: The second-largest and most populous city in the US, Los Angeles is also a global entertainment, media, and cultural center. It is the home of Hollywood, the film and television industry, and many celebrities and influencers. It also has several military bases, ports, and airports in the area.
- San Francisco, CA: The fourth-largest and most populous city in California, San Francisco is also a global technological, financial, and cultural center. It is the home of Silicon Valley, the innovation and entrepreneurship hub, and many tech giants and startups. It also has several military bases, ports, and nuclear power plants nearby.
- Houston, TX: The fourth-largest and most populous city in the US, Houston is also a major energy, aerospace, and medical center. It is the home of NASA, the oil and gas industry, and the Texas Medical Center. It also has several military bases, ports, and airports in the area.
These six cities are considered to be the most vital and influential in the US, and therefore the most attractive and tempting targets for an adversary. They also have the highest population density and the most infrastructure and assets that could be damaged or destroyed by a nuclear blast.
The One in Colorado
While the six cities mentioned above may seem obvious choices for a nuclear strike, there is one city in Colorado that may not be as well-known but is equally at risk. This city is:
- Colorado Springs, CO: The second-largest and most populous city in Colorado, Colorado Springs is also a major military and aerospace center. It is the home of the US Air Force Academy, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the US Space Command, and several other military and defense installations. It also hosts several high-tech companies and research institutions.
Colorado Springs is considered to be the nerve center of the US military and space operations, and therefore a high-priority target for an enemy. It also has a high elevation and a mountainous terrain, which could make it more difficult to defend or evacuate in case of a nuclear attack.
Conclusion
Nuclear war is a terrifying and devastating possibility that no one wants to face. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and consequences of such a scenario, and to be prepared for the worst-case outcome. Some cities in the US are more vulnerable than others due to their strategic, economic, or political significance, and one of them is in Colorado. These cities may be the first to be hit in a nuclear conflict, and the impact would be catastrophic for the people, the environment, and the nation.