Preparing for the Unthinkable: The Reality of Nuclear EMP Threats in the US

Preparing for the Unthinkable: The Reality of Nuclear EMP Threats in the US

A nuclear electromagnetic pulse, or EMP, has the potential to devastate the U.S. electrical grid and disrupt vital communications, transportation, and other essential services for extended periods. This alarming perspective comes from historian William Forstchen, a best-selling author and recognized authority on the subject.

In a recent conversation with Fox News Digital, Forstchen outlined the stark reality of EMPs and emphasized the urgent need for the U.S. to bolster its defenses against this existential threat. He explained, “This is a very real threat. An EMP is generated when a small nuclear weapon, typically between 40 and 60 kilotons — roughly three times the size of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima — is detonated approximately 200 miles above the United States. This explosion creates an electrostatic discharge that can cascade down to the Earth’s surface. It feeds into the millions of miles of wires, turning them into antennas, ultimately overwhelming and damaging the power grid.”

Forstchen stressed the severity of the consequences, referencing Congressional reports from 2002 and 2008, which suggest that an EMP strike could result in the death of 80 to 90 percent of the American population within a year.

Although the notion of an EMP attack may seem like a plot from a science fiction novel, the potential for such an event has been acknowledged for decades. Forstchen remarked, “The threat of an EMP was first recognized during the 1962 Starfish Prime high-altitude nuclear test. It demonstrated that a nuclear detonation, even hundreds of miles away, could have profound effects on our technology.” He added, “While they managed to restore affected systems in days back then, what if restoration took a month, six months, or even longer?”

The late Peter Pry, a prominent nuclear weapons expert and former staff director of the Congressional EMP Commission, further underscored this threat. In interviews prior to his passing in 2022, Pry warned that North Korea’s missile tests could indicate their EMP capabilities against the United States. He famously asserted, “Cars would be paralyzed. Airplanes could fall from the sky. Natural gas pipelines could explode, and nuclear reactors could overheat. A prolonged blackout would pose a serious survival threat to the American populace.”

A Call for Action: Fortifying the Electrical Grid

These alarming predictions prompted significant government action. During his presidency, Donald Trump directed the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security to conduct extensive studies on EMP preparedness. Forstchen remarked, “Just days ago, discussions echoed regarding Israel’s Iron Dome, but focused on its application here in the United States.”

Forstchen suggests three essential measures for the U.S. to adopt to prepare for a potential EMP attack, beginning with an urgent upgrade of the antiquated electrical grid. He noted, “It is frightening to realize that most of our electrical infrastructure relies on systems that are 30 or even 40 years old.”

The pressing need for investment and modernization of the electrical grid is echoed by communications consultant Joseph J. Brettel, who described it as not merely an infrastructure issue but an economic opportunity. He observed, “By channeling significant resources and innovative thinking into the grid, the President could tackle a decades-long challenge while generating thousands of jobs in the process.”

Learning from Israel: The Iron Dome Analogy

Forstchen continues to advocate for an American equivalent of Israel’s Iron Dome. He explained, “Ronald Reagan proposed it in the 1980s under the name ‘Star Wars.’ While it seemed impossible at the time, advancements in technology make such a defense feasible today at a fraction of the cost compared to other military initiatives.”

In an effort to enhance American security, Trump also initiated plans for a next-generation missile defense system intended to shield the nation from aerial attacks. In January, he signed an executive order assigning Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to develop an ‘Iron Dome for America’ capable of countering missile threats from foreign adversaries.

Urgent Preparedness: Individual Strategies to Mitigate Risks

In conjunction with large-scale governmental actions, Forstchen encourages Americans to take personal responsibility for their preparedness. He advocates for citizens to stockpile essential supplies, explaining, “I urge every American to take this threat seriously and prepare a little. I am not advocating for fortifying your home, but rather having a month or two’s worth of necessary supplies on hand.”

Reflecting on his experience as a resident of Asheville, North Carolina, Forstchen noted the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which left numerous families homeless even months after the disaster. He concluded, “That was a regional catastrophe; imagine if a nationwide event occurred.”

Engaging the Public and Authorities for Awareness

Fox News Digital has reached out to both the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense for further comments on the potential impacts and preparedness strategies related to EMP threats. Increased public awareness and proactive measures can be crucial in ensuring the safety and security of the American populace in the face of such dire challenges.