The original scenario I offered, in case you didn't see it was an EMP attack which would wipe out much of the grid, electronic appliances ,and autos instantly. The second scenario, a hack attack on the grid would take out many of the grid's transformers, many of which are huge and difficult to transport. Utilities won't say how much 'transformer replacement' inventory they keep on hand, but large areas could be impacted for weeks or months.
Many think we'd be less likely to come under EMP attack since it would require launching an atomic weapon high enough in the atmosphere to reach a wide area, and so, we'd retaliate and do the same against the offending country... mutually assured destruction. But a hacker attack could come from a group much more difficult to identify.
Now, over a longer time frame, larger and more frequent hurricanes and tornadoes could take down much of our electronic infrastructure as well... that's under some extreme weather scenarios.. but it would be more gradual, unless you happened to be like, say Grand Island, Bahamas, beneath a category 5. |
