Every time a typhoon barrels towards Luzon island in the Philippines—like Typhoon Uwan, known internationally as Fung-wong—many Filipinos turn to a familiar source of hope: the Sierra Madre. Stretching along Luzon's eastern spine, the vast mountain range is often hailed as the 'backbone of Luzon' and its 'first line of defence' against storms.
As it faced its 21st storm this year, the Philippines once again placed its faith in the Sierra Madre's supposed protective powers. But does science back up the sentiment? Storm chaser Josh Morgerman says no. Here's what the data really shows about the so-called 'typhoon barrier'.
