Emily Flores
Russia and America still test missiles and build new nuclear weapons, like during the Cold War. This dangerous arms competition now includes China and North Korea, while most people ignore the news. However, certain American cities would likely absorb the first strikes if tensions ever escalated into actual conflict. Here are the urban centres sitting directly in the blast path.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles presents an irresistible target during nuclear conflict. Everything a military strategist values sits densely packed: international shipping hubs, air traffic control for the Pacific, and strategic installations throughout the basin. Officials have understood this vulnerability since Eisenhower was president, essentially preparing for a scenario they hoped would never come.
Cheyenne, WY
F.E. Warren Air Force Base, a key military site in Cheyenne, stores a large portion of America’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)—long-range missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Any nuclear conflict would target this base first, thereby leaving the city with virtually no chance of survival, despite its long-standing Western traditions.
Ogden, UT
Walk down Ogden’s 25th Street, and you’ll see its railroad history, old bars, and gambling halls from the 1920s. The real danger isn’t petty criminals anymore, though—Hill Air Force Base makes this whole region a nuclear priority target because of extensive ICBM operations that strategic planners won’t ignore.
Colorado Springs, CO
Few Americans realize that Colorado Springs is home to very important military centers. One of them is NORAD, a place that watches the skies over North America, alongside the Peterson Space Force Base. Because these places help protect the country, they would be major targets if a nuclear war ever happened.
Seattle, WA
Seattle’s geography works against it in nuclear conflict scenarios. Naval Base Kitsap operates nearby as the backbone of America’s submarine-based nuclear arsenal, whereas commercial shipping keeps the port humming daily. When military installations and densely populated areas sit side by side, planners know exactly where warheads would land.
Shreveport, LA
Should conflict erupt, the question isn’t whether the city gets hit—it’s simply a matter of how quickly. That’s because the city is right next to Barksdale Air Force Base, where Air Force Global Strike Command is based. This military base operates bomber operations from this facility, making it a guaranteed target.
Great Falls, MT
Controlling America’s ICBM arsenal from Malmstrom Air Force Base gives Great Falls an unfortunate distinction in nuclear war planning. Experts consider removing this command center an immediate priority. The city has the C.M. Russell Museum and beautiful waterfalls, but living near such an important military base is frightening.
Houston, TX
Think Houston, think vital national interests all packed together. Energy production, space exploration headquarters, and major shipping operations converge in this sprawling metropolis. Adversaries recognize these concentrations as high-value targets. Being this important to America’s infrastructure isn’t exactly reassuring during wartime.
Omaha, NE
Omaha is home to the U.S. Strategic Command, which controls all of America’s nuclear weapons. That strategic role makes early targeting almost certain during atomic conflict, with slim survival odds. By the way, the city’s Old Market district has historic buildings where people enjoy restaurants and concerts.
San Francisco/Oakland, CA
Oakland’s port never sleeps, with moving cargo that keeps the West Coast economy humming. San Francisco handles the money side of things with its dense financial district. And both cities sit uncomfortably close to each other. Anyone near the blast won’t know what hit them, though outlying areas could offer little chance of survival with proper shelter.