Where in Iowa, Illinois, & Wisconsin Would a Nuclear Strike Occur?

I'm not a doomsday prepper, or pessimistic glass half-empty kind of person, but the recent events in Israel, along with continuing situations involving Iran, Russia, and China have got me thinking, are we really a fly over state? Most people in the U.S. think that of the Midwest, but should a nuclear attack ensue, would we have to worry here? Unfortunately, even for us in Iowa, there may be some cause for concern, so I've compiled a list of the most likely targets for nuclear strikes here, in Illinois, and in Wisconsin.

Let's Chat the Current World Situation:

The escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Russia, Iran, and Israel, have raised global concerns about the potential for nuclear conflict, as allies prepare to be drawn into this ongoing and seemingly never-ceasing boiling pot of cultures. Russia is reportedly sending advanced radars and air defense systems to Iran, supporting its preparations for an imminent attack on Israel.

This escalation follows the assassination of key Hamas and Hezbollah officials, which Iran attributes to Israeli actions. As Iran gears up for retaliation, the risk of a broader regional conflict looms large. These developments could have far-reaching consequences, even for the Tri-State area. Basically, the interconnected nature of global security means that we are not immune to the fallout of such conflicts.

It's important to note that the map above was originally created in 2015. In that year, the Palo, Iowa nuclear plant was still in operation. It has since stopped operation after damage during the 2020 Midwest Derecho. Additionally, other facilities may have had similar fates, so not all map indicators are correct or current. That being said, what are the most likely nuclear targets in the Tri-States?

Get our free mobile app

Iowa's Most Likely Nuclear Targets:

• Rock Island Arsenal: This major military installation could become a target due to its role in weapons manufacturing and logistics.
• Quad Cities Nuclear Generating Station: As an active nuclear power plant, it’s a strategic target for causing widespread radioactive contamination.

Illinois' Most Likely Nuclear Targets:

• Chicago: A major urban center with significant economic, transportation, and governmental infrastructure, making it a prime target. It is the 3rd most populous city in the United States.
• Byron Nuclear Generating Station: This nuclear plant represents a critical piece of infrastructure with potential for widespread impact and radiation fallout.
• Scott Air Force Base: Key military installation with critical air mobility and logistics functions.

Wisconsin's Most Likely Nuclear Targets:

• Milwaukee: 31st most populous city in the U.S. and an important urban center with significant economic and industrial importance.
• Point Beach Nuclear Plant: Another active nuclear power plant that is crucial for regional power supply and could cause significant fallout. Their are currently 2 units in operation here.
• Fort McCoy: An important military training installation, making it a strategic target for disrupting military operations.

While the prospect of a nuclear conflict might seem too much to grasp or handle, it’s essential to be prepared. Understanding potential targets and the reasons behind them helps us to be better informed and ready should an escalation occur anywhere in the world. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides valuable resources on how to prepare for such emergencies on Ready.gov.

The Midwest may seem far from the battlegrounds of the Middle East, but in a world where global conflicts have far-reaching impacts, staying informed and prepared is crucial to our nation.