Detroit Scenario: Introduction

Detroit Skyline
Detroit Skyline

The detonation point selected is the intersection of I-75 and I-94, approximately at the Civic Center and about 3 miles from the Detroit-Windsor tunnel entrance. The nuclear weapon has a yield of 1 megaton and is a surface burst.

Assumptions

  • There is no warning. The population has not been evacuated nor sought shelter. Both measures could reduce casualties.
  • The detonation takes place at night when most people are at their residences. This corresponds to the available census data.
  • There is clear weather, with visibility of 10 miles.
  • No other cities are attacked, an assumption that allows for analyzing the extent of outside help that would be required, if it were available.