16 Places in Michigan That Could Be Nuclear Attack Targets

Recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran in an attempt to dismantle its nuclear program has many people asking, "Is America safe from a nuclear attack?"

The short answer to that question is "no".

Is a Nuclear Attack on the U.S. Likely?

According to michigan.gov, experts say "the danger of a massive strategic nuclear attack on the United States is predicted by experts to be less likely today. However, terrorism, by nature, is unpredictable."

Back when the Soviet Union was still around — and the threat of actual nuclear war was deemed to be more real — the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) put together a report identifying potential targets throughout the United States, based on military intelligence at the time. More than a dozen places in Michigan were deemed to be at risk.

Some might think that areas of highest population would be the obvious targets of such an attack. That would be an error, according to experts.

Why Some Michigan Cities Are High-Risk Targets

A federal document titled "Nuclear Attack Planning Base 1990" identified several different types of potential targets in Michigan in the event of a nuclear attack, including nuclear and coal-fired power plants; chemical manufacturers; military installations and support facilities; oil refineries; and political targets.

A nuclear attack on the United States could try to dismantle the country's political infrastructure, making state capitals like Lansing, Michigan, a potential target. (Photos via GoogleMaps and Canva)

While Michigan's largest city — Detroit — is listed among those at greatest risk, other big cities like Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor don't make the list at all. Several places in Northern Michigan do make the list, including a couple locations in the Upper Peninsula.

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Explore the Full List of At-Risk Locations

Check out 16 places in Michigan that the "NAPB-90" report identified as potential targets in the event of a nuclear attack.

16 Places Not to Be If Michigan's Under Nuclear Attack

Michigan emergency management officials have identified these 16 places that could potentially be targeted in the event of a nuclear attack. Do you live near one of them?

Gallery Credit: JR

15 US Cities Most Likely to Be Targeted in Nuclear Attack

247 Wall Street did some digging to determine which cities are the most at risk in the event of a nuclear war. Here's a look at The 15 US Cities Most Likely To Be Targeted in a Nuclear Attack.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow