what would happen if these cities were nuked?

Question

New York, Washington D.C., Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. I'm trying to start a book and want to know some details (extent of damage, radiation etc.) of this nuclear scenario. What part of the country would still be habitable immediately after this, and after the wind currents move the (radiation?? or is it something else?).

Answer 1

That would depend entirely on what type of nuclear weapon was used, the yield, how it was delivered, and where the burst occurred. Far too much information not supplied for us to give you an answer.

This isn't like "24", where you can drop a nuke in the California mountains to "minimize fallout".

Answer 2

First it would depend on the size and location that the nuke device was detonated. Your not thininking that there would only be one bomb are you.... The most likely scenario, for a single device would be total to near total devastation in a 6 to 8 mile radius. Those at or near (~1 - 2 miles) ground zero would reach about 10,000 degrees in less than a second, beyond that (2 - 5 miles) death would be alittle slower, the 5 mile marker and beyond death would be more from flying debris and building collasping, If you were to make it thru the debris and buildings, The radiation 30 - 50 rads would kill you in less than 30 days (more like 10-15). As for were would be habitable "immediately" after.... figure anywhere thats 20 miles up-wind.... Unfortunately, in the event nuclear devices were exploded over these cities, there ceratinly would be more than 1 at each location.... Figure at least 3, maybe more. Also, those would not only be the first targets, areas such as Washington DC. Noradi, San Diego, Several locations in Texas, Nevada, Kansas, Iowa, etc. etc. Now, take into consideration the nukes, we would be firing back ( numbers in the hundreds) and that will give you alittle idea of what would happen.

With in approximately 1 week the amount of dust and debris that would be airborne after such an event would block out the sun and heat from the sun, resulting in a nuclear winter ( minus -40 -100) that could last for decades. So, when all this happens, and some day it will, all I can suggest is that you pray, your at ground zero.

Answer 3

Well, typically the weather systems move west-to-east so if these cities were nuked, the fallout would head toward Europe. If all of these cities at the same time were exposed to nuclear warheads, the entire world would suffer for years to come. All sorts of diseases, old and new, would plague life forms and the air quality would make North America pretty much inhabitable.

Answer 4

If they were most people who lived in the area would be dead, the whole city most likely. If anybody lived, they would suffer all sorts of cancer and radiation poisoning caused by radiation. Extent of the damage would be you could not grow anything on that land for 50 years+ and everything really polluted/poisoned. After this only places not touched by the mushroom cloud, though after a while you can live there, there you can live. I suggeat move 100+ miles away to be safe.

Answer 5

I'd hate to lose Denver and thanks for not including Seattle. Oh, a question about D.C. would Congress be in session or not? Your answer could make this one go either way as far as what happens goes.

Answer 6

It depends by whom they are nuked... Russian? quite powerful. Chinese? low quality. Who else??? Terrosrist? probably small bombs in suitcase, minimal damage within few kms radius...