Nuclear expert Alex Wellerstein identified 15 U.S. cities likely to be hit first in a hypothetical World War III scenario. The list includes small strategic cities near missile bases and major population centers such as Great Falls, Cheyenne, Honolulu, Omaha, Colorado Springs, Washington D.C., Seattle, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. Targets depend on military infrastructure, population, and symbolic importance.