What does the storm in Act II of Othello represent at a practical and symbolic level?

The storm in this excellent tragedy, like the storm in
King Lear, seems to operate on a literal, a thematic and a symbolic
level. Firstly, of course it is a literal storm that threatens Othello's ships, but it
is important to note the first line of Act II scene
1:

What from
the cape can you discern at
sea?

The storm is linked
explicitly with lack of vision, as at the beginning of Act I of this play. Of course,
the storm therefore also is used for foreshadow not only the lack of vision of Othello
has after Act III, but the way that he is overpowered by a "tempest" of anger and
jealousy. Thus it is vitally important to realise how Shakespeare is using this storm to
develop the key theme of lack of vision and also to foreshadow the internal storm of
emotions that prevents Othello from seeing clearly and also causes him to act in a way
that destroys those around him, just as the storm in this scene destroys the Turkish
fleet.