What non-literal purpose does the storm in Act II play in Othello?

The storm serves as an element of foreshadowing for the main characters involved in this play, including Othello, Cassio, Roderigo, Emilia, and Desdemona.  The storm, as foreshadowing, leads the reader to believe that perhaps a storm of other sorts is coming (mainly Iago's plot to ruin Othello through his jealousy).  Also, the storm is symbolic of the turmoil to come in the play.  The storm is also symbolic of Othello's temper, which is short and fierce.