[TomGuy]

An errant tree limb in rural Ohio did a pretty good job a few years ago — took down the entire NE US and E Canada power grid.

[I still have a hard time believing that was the cause, however.]

[buccaneer81]

An errant tree limb in rural Ohio did a pretty good job a few years ago — took down the entire NE US and E Canada power grid. [I still have a hard time believing that was the cause, however.]

Living in Ohio and seeing how the power system is here, I believe it.

[discostu]

That was a mere inconvenience. Within the limited radius an EMP attack is pretty massive, especially in our modern silicon age, our cars, microwaves and even toasters would all be fried (it’s amazing how many things we stick computer chips in these days). But of course the radius is pretty small, especially given that it’s caused by a nuclear attack, if you’re close enough to the blast for your microwave to die you probably don’t have much longer.

[GOPJ]

I still have a hard time believing that was the cause, however.

I'm with you - that one doesn't pass the smell test...