The probability of a nuclear war in 2025, or a Washington nuke attack specifically, is extremely low. But as Seattleites, we sometimes have fun thinking about what would happen if Seattle got nuked. I won’t just have fun.
Instead, I’ll consider the consequences and research what would happen if it does. In the blog’s Seattle News & Op section, I talk about fun, quirky, and weird things and thoughts about Seattle.
What If Seattle Got Nuked
While the possibility of a nuclear attack on Seattle is extremely unlikely, it’s a hypothetical scenario that has been explored by many, including scientists, military analysts, and even Hollywood writers. But if Seattle got nuked, it would face widespread destruction and devastation.
Let me get into the details.
Immediate Impact
Short-Term Consequences
Long-Term Implications
These are just hypothetical scenarios. The actual consequences of a nuclear attack on Seattle would depend on these factors:
Is Seattle a nuclear target?
Due to its strategic importance, Seattle could be a potential target in a hypothetical nuclear conflict, although it is impossible to know for certain.
But remember that the nuclear deterrence policies aim to prevent attacks, while peacebuilding and diplomacy play a crucial role in reducing the risk of nuclear conflict.
According to a scientist, what would happen to Seattle in a nuclear attack?
In today’s world, the Cold War may be a distant memory, but the specter of a nuclear attack still lingers in the minds of scientists and experts.
Hans M. Kristensen, associated with the Federation of American Scientists, highlights the potential devastation if a nuclear warhead were to strike Seattle. Though unimaginable, understanding the grim statistics is essential for preparedness.
What about the potential casualties in Seattle?
According to Hans M. Kristensen, if a warhead of 240 kilotons were detonated in the heart of Seattle, it could lead to over 167,000 deaths and nearly 256,000 injuries. Kristensen’s grim picture paints a sobering reality.
Depending on the warhead’s size, casualties could range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands. Just to give you an idea, even the smaller “Little Boy,” with a yield of 15 kilotons, could result in a staggering 74,229 deaths and over 97,000 injuries.
These numbers are not just statistics; they represent the human cost of a catastrophic event.
With a population of nearly 733,919, Seattle would be most affected by such an attack. But, the impact would extend beyond the city limits, affecting a larger geographic area. This raises critical questions about the city’s preparedness for an unlikely scenario that demands attention.
If a nuke hit Seattle, how far would it reach?
The range of a nuclear explosion varies depending on factors such as weapon size, type, detonation height, and weather conditions. But let us make some general estimates.
A 1-megaton nuclear explosion would generate a fireball with a radius of 330 meters (1,080 feet), destroying 80 square miles. A larger nuclear explosion, like a 10-megaton weapon, would create a fireball with a radius of approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles).
A nuclear explosion in Seattle would have a devastating impact on the city and its surrounding area. The actual range of the explosion can vary depending on specific circumstances. Still, the consequences would be severe.
Due to unpredictable variables like weather, weapon type, and detonation location, I cannot provide specific information on locations, such as safe zones or radiation levels.
Which Seattle attractions would be most affected in a nuclear attack?
Nuclear explosions can affect landmarks and attractions in different ways, but it’s hard to know exactly how. This depends on things like how powerful the bomb is, where it explodes, and what the weather is like at the time.
Some parts of Seattle would be hit harder by a nuclear explosion because of how the city is built and where important buildings are located.
- Downtown Seattle and the Port of Seattle would be highly impacted by their high-rise buildings, critical infrastructure, and transportation hubs.
- The Space Needle and Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle are iconic landmarks at risk due to their proximity to other high-rise structures and potential structural collapse.
- The University District and UW Campus, located near downtown, may be at risk of damage and radioactive contamination due to their proximity.
- Boeing Field and Museum of Flight, a significant aerospace facility and aviation museum located south of Seattle, may experience the impact of the blast, leading to potential disruptions in air traffic and historic preservation efforts.
- The city’s key bridges and transportation corridors, such as the Fremont Bridge and the Alaskan Way Viaduct, are essential for emergency response. However, the blast could severely damage them, impacting mobility and rescue operations.
A nuclear explosion’s effects are hard to predict and depend on several things: the type of weapon, its power, where it explodes, and the weather. These factors control how much damage happens and where. The blast would make it hard for people to escape or help others. Dangerous radiation would also spread through the air.
Is Spokane a nuclear target?
No, Spokane is not a nuclear target as of now. However, it was a priority nuclear target for the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Spokane’s strategic importance in potential nuclear conflict was evident through the presence of 9 missile sites.
Each site encompassed 18,000 square feet of underground concrete. These missile sites were built to withstand an atomic blast 50 times more powerful than the one that devastated Hiroshima.
Airmen in Spokane could launch an Atlas E missile in just 15 minutes, highlighting the military significance and preparedness of the region during that time.
What countries would survive a nuclear war?
Certain countries have a higher chance of surviving a nuclear war due to their ability to sustain food production in adverse conditions.
Australia: Australia’s geographic isolation in the Southern Hemisphere may offer some protection from the direct fallout of a nuclear war. With a strong economy and stable political system, it is well-positioned for recovery efforts.
Canada: In the northern hemisphere, Canada benefits from geographical isolation and a close relationship with the United States. With abundant natural resources and robust infrastructure, Canada exhibits resilience.
Iceland: Iceland’s remote location in the North Atlantic and its use of geothermal energy reduce its vulnerability to the immediate impacts of a nuclear war. Also, its small population and social solid cohesion could aid in the recovery process.
New Zealand: New Zealand, like Australia, has the potential to survive a nuclear war due to its geographical isolation and strong economy. Its focus on renewable energy and self-sufficiency further strengthens its resilience.
Switzerland: Switzerland’s neutrality and focus on civil defense have prepared it for potential crises. It is well-equipped for survival with well-stocked shelters and an emphasis on self-reliance.
The Solomon Islands: The Solomon Islands, situated in the Pacific Ocean, may be shielded from nuclear war fallout due to their remote location. Additionally, their robust agricultural sector and community-oriented culture could aid their survival.
Vanuatu: Similarly, Vanuatu’s geographical location in the South Pacific and its reliance on agriculture make it a potential nuclear war survivor. Its traditional community-based culture could also aid in its recovery efforts.
These are just some examples, and whether or not any country would be able to survive a nuclear war is uncertain. These are just hypothetical scenarios, and the actual outcome of a nuclear war would be far more complex and unpredictable.
What about the US?
The United States, as a major nuclear power with a large and diverse population, would likely experience significant damage in a nuclear war. However, due to its size, resource abundance, and established infrastructure, it may have a better chance of long-term survival than smaller or more vulnerable countries.
Several factors would influence the US’s ability to withstand a nuclear war:
- Geographical Dispersion: The US’s size and climate diversity offer some protection from nuclear blasts and fallout. Its strategic location in North America reduces the risk of direct attacks from other nuclear powers.
- Economic Strength: The US’s robust economy and industrial capacity would enable resource mobilization for recovery and reconstruction. With a large and skilled workforce, the country can rebuild infrastructure and provide essential services.
- Military Prowess: The US military plays a crucial role in defending against attacks and managing post-nuclear war situations. With advanced technology and well-trained personnel, it ensures order and protects critical infrastructure.
- Resilience and Adaptability: The US has a history of resilience and adaptability in times of crisis. In the aftermath of a nuclear war, its citizens would likely demonstrate these qualities, working together to rebuild their communities.
- Global Response: Close allies and partners worldwide would offer assistance after a nuclear war, providing humanitarian aid, sharing resources, and coordinating recovery efforts.
Why is Naval Base Kitsap a potential target?
Naval Base Kitsap is a potential target for several reasons. It is home to many US Navy assets, including submarines, aircraft carriers, and other warships. It is also strategically located in Puget Sound, which is a critical waterway for the US military.
Here are some specific reasons why Naval Base Kitsap is a potential target:
- Its strategic location: Naval Base Kitsap is in Puget Sound, a large body of water providing access to the Pacific Ocean. This makes it a strategically important location for the US Navy, allowing the Navy to project power into the Pacific and respond to regional threats.
- Its concentration of US Navy assets: Naval Base Kitsap is home to many US Navy ships, including submarines, aircraft carriers, and other warships. These ships are valuable assets that would be a significant target for an enemy.
- Its importance to the US Navy: Naval Base Kitsap is a major logistical hub for the US Navy. It provides support to ships deployed to the Pacific Ocean, and it is also home to several training and maintenance facilities. This makes it a critical asset for the US Navy.
In addition to these specific reasons, Naval Base Kitsap is a potential target because it symbolizes US military power. An attack on the base would be a way for an enemy to strike a blow against the US and its allies.
It is important to note that Naval Base Kitsap is heavily defended and unlikely to be successfully attacked. However, the base remains a potential target, and the US Navy takes steps to protect it from attack.
My Final Thoughts
Honestly, Seattle is not going to be nuked anytime soon. Understanding the potential impacts of a nuclear war on countries and military bases is crucial, but we must acknowledge that it is an extreme scenario.
While it is a fun thought, let’s help prevent catastrophic events by advocating for peace, diplomacy, and nuclear disarmament. Let’s focus on building safer societies instead of worrying about what would happen if Seattle got nuked.
