Expert reveals the 15 US cities that would be first targets if WW3 started and some might surprise you
ArchiveFirst published June 26, 2025. It may not reflect later developments.
As global tensions rise, nuclear historian Professor Alex Wellerstein has named 15 U.S. cities that could be early targets if World War 3 begins. He warns that cities near military command centers or those with large populations and symbolic importance could be hit first.
Smaller cities like Great Falls, MT, and Cheyenne, WY, may seem safe—but both sit near major nuclear facilities. Hill Air Force Base (Utah), Offutt (Nebraska), and Kirtland (New Mexico) also put Ogden, Omaha, and Albuquerque at risk. Shreveport, LA, home to B-52 bombers, and Colorado Springs, with NORAD, are also top concerns.
Washington D.C., Seattle, and Honolulu are high-profile due to their political, military, or geographic importance. Naval bases and limited evacuation routes make these cities vulnerable.
Cities like New York (8.8M), Los Angeles (3.8M), Chicago (2.6M), Houston (2.3M), and San Francisco (873K) are considered prime targets due to population and economic impact.
While the scenario is theoretical, the list highlights real-world vulnerabilities if global conflict escalates.
