An electromagnetic pulse (commonly abbreviated EMP) just hit the USA

[Romeo's Pants]

Originally Posted by mikeyis4dcats.

interesting you posted this, I just finished One Second After yesterday.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Second_After

This. It was an interesting and probably a fairly realistic approximation of what to expect if something like this (or any other widespread disaster) happens. The audio book narrator is somewhat emo and does a really bad impression for all of the female character voices.

TL;DR - Cessation of emergency services and lack of electronic communication causes a widespread panic. People in cities will be the worst off. Anyone needing daily medication (diabetics) or special care is boned.