Nuclear expert Alex Wellerstein identified 15 U.S. cities likely to be hit first in a hypothetical World War III scenario. The list includes small strategic cities near missile bases and major population centers such as Great Falls, Cheyenne, Honolulu, Omaha, Colorado Springs, Washington D.C., Seattle, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. Targets depend on military infrastructure, population, and symbolic importance.

Nuclear historian Alex Wellerstein has outlined several U.S. locations that could be among the first targets in a hypothetical global nuclear conflict. The analysis highlights both major population centers and smaller cities located near critical military infrastructure. Strategic locations such as Great Falls, Cheyenne, Omaha, and Colorado Springs could be at risk because of their proximity to missile silos, air bases, or command centers.

Larger cities—including Washington, D.C., New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Seattle, and Honolulu—would also likely be high-value targets due to their economic, political, and symbolic importance. Analysts stress that such scenarios are theoretical risk assessments, noting that nuclear deterrence and diplomatic efforts still make a large-scale nuclear war unlikely.