Chapter 1: The NYC Nuclear PSA

In July 2022, New York City issued a public service announcement outlining steps to take in the event of a nuclear attack. The randomness of the message, along with the relaxed demeanor of the presenter, left many in a state of confusion, as the guidance seemed rather unhelpful. The core advice was simple: get inside, stay inside, and keep an eye on media updates.

This led me to ponder, "What would actually happen if a nuclear bomb detonated in New York City? How effective would this public message be?"

With a few prescribed medications to fuel my creativity, I set off to uncover the answer. Though I might not grasp the nuances of New York as a lifelong resident would, my detachment offers a unique perspective on the city's potential devastation.

But rest assured, I won't throw you into a nuclear disaster scenario without some context. You will be dropped into one, but let’s paint a vivid backdrop first.

Imagine this:

It’s a clear Tuesday afternoon in New York City, and you're on your way to a lunch date with someone you've met on Hinge. You chose lunch because you’ve always wanted to try the special at a trendy restaurant. Upon arrival, you find that your date is even more attractive in person than you’d imagined.

Given the lovely weather, you opt for a table on the patio. Just then, the waiter arrives with your meal. A gentle breeze playfully lifts the napkins, causing one to flutter away. You instinctively reach for it and tumble out of your chair—a funny, charming moment you would reminisce about for years—if only a nuclear explosion didn’t occur at that very instant.

How’s that for setting the scene?

Now that we’ve established the atmosphere, let’s delve into the technicalities surrounding nuclear weapons.

Chapter 2: Understanding Nuclear Explosions

So, what transpires when a nuclear weapon is unleashed in a city? While a single bomb might be launched, it’s likely that the situation would escalate, leading to more detonations. For simplicity's sake, let's assume only one bomb is dropped, though it's crucial to note that the reality would likely be more complex.

Nuclear explosions are quantified in kilotons and megatons. To put it in perspective, a megaton equals one million tons of TNT. The most powerful nuclear device ever tested was the Soviet Union’s Tsar Bomba, which had a staggering yield of 50 megatons—equivalent to 50 million tons of TNT. Conversely, Little Boy, the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, had a yield of 15 kilotons (15,000 tons of TNT).

Nuclear weapons are designed to detonate at specific altitudes to optimize their destructive effects based on the target type. Civilian targets typically warrant higher altitude detonations (strategic), while military targets often involve lower altitudes (tactical). The distinction lies more in the application than the design.

The altitude plays a significant role in determining whether the explosion is an air burst or a surface burst. An air burst occurs when the fireball does not significantly interact with the ground, resulting in minimal localized radiation. This type of explosion generates a substantial overpressure over a broader area, alongside intense thermal radiation.

Conversely, surface bursts produce radioactive fallout, as debris and irradiated soil are thrust into the atmosphere—potentially traveling hundreds of miles due to wind patterns.

Description: This video explores the psychological aspects of dealing with crises, using humor to discuss the potential impact of nuclear threats.

The subsequent sections will cover the potential consequences of a hypothetical nuclear explosion in New York City, particularly focusing on Times Square.

Chapter 3: Imagining the Fallout

In our scenario, let's consider a 4-megaton nuclear bomb detonating above Times Square. This yield aligns with the designation of New York as a strategic target, likely to receive a high-yield intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

The optimal detonation height would be approximately 1.8 miles, maximizing blast impact while coinciding with a busy lunch hour to ensure maximum exposure to the effects.

Now, picture yourself in Brooklyn, enjoying your meal when the bomb detonates.

Boom.

In a fraction of a second, a fireball hotter than the sun expands to a diameter of at least 450 feet. Within 8 to 10 seconds, it reaches a maximum diameter of 2 miles, vaporizing everything in its radius.

Those within a 2.75-mile radius face near-total destruction, with fatalities reaching nearly 100%. The destruction is immense, creating a crater about 500 feet deep at the blast site—Times Square is utterly obliterated. Anyone within a 2.5-mile radius likely dies before they even realize what's happening.

But what happens to you in Brooklyn?

You notice a bright flash and find yourself engulfed in flames, but you might escape the initial inferno.