Horrifying nuclear bomb simulation shows devastation 'W-59' would reap on New York City

A chilling map created by nuclearsecrecy.com shows the catastrophic damage that would be inflicted on New York City if a nuclear bomb were to be detonated within its metropolitan area. The maps, which depict the apocalyptic aftermath of nuclear weapons being detonated in major cities worldwide, were created with the help of Alex Wellerstein, a nuclear historian at Stevens Institute of Technology.

If a weapon similar in size to the "W-59" - an American thermonuclear warhead used on some Minuteman I ICBM missiles from 1962 to 1969- were to be detonated in New York, the devastation would be immense. The "W-59" had a yield of one megaton.

According to Wallerstein's expert modeling , such a horrific event would result in the deaths of 1,712,030 people. In addition, there would be 3,166,060 injuries and the light blast damage radius would extend as far as Newark.

• Terrifying nuclear map lays bare world's biggest stockpiles as global tensions mount

• Chilling map shows extent of Russia's firepower amid nuclear fears

If you can't see the map above, click here.

The fireball radius caused by the hypothetical explosion would primarily affect Soho and East Village. According to the map , this reaction would instantly vaporize anything within its radius. At a minimum, it would reach a height of 0.5 miles.

The moderate blast damage radius would spread for over four miles and either severely damage or completely demolish concrete buildings.

To view the map above, click here.

The moderate blast damage radius would spread for 3.5 miles, according to the modeling, and this would cause most residential buildings to collapse and lead to widespread fatalities. The chances of fires spreading are also heightened, which would only add to the damage.

To view the legend above, click here.

The thermal radiation radius would spread for almost over miles. With this, there is a 100 percent certainty of third-degree burns. This reaction to radiation is often painless, however, because pain nerves are destroyed in the process. This spread of radiation is shown to stretch as far as East New York.

Luckily, these scenarios are only hypothetical and the chances of any such weapons being dropped remain remote.

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .