What symbols, including the storm, are present in Kate Chopin's "The Storm", and how do they relate to the characters?

Even though it is a pretty short story, "The Storm" by Kate Chopin is packed with symbolism.  As you mentioned in your question, the storm itself is a symbol of the coming change that occurs in the lives of the characters, as a result of Alcee's affair with Calixta.  The story itself starts with a storm brewing, seeming to foreshadow great harm or chaos; in reality, it ushers in what Chopin makes out to be a very positive change in the life of all of the characters.  The affair, instead of tearing their lives apart like a storm would, instead frees Calixta and helps her to release some of her frustrations, and settle more happily into her station in life.  So, the storm is a symbol of something that normally would be considered bad, tumultuous or dangerous actually being something that is good and fulfilling.  That description applies to both the storm itself and to the affair's impact on the characters' lives.

Other symbolism can include Chopin's use of colors.  The bedroom is white, symbolizing how she feels their affair is a sanctified and pure act, rather than a sinful one, as society felt.  Calixta's lips are red and hair is shining gold, symbolizing her appeal to Alcee.  So, take a look at the colors that are used also, as they hold symbolic value.  Then you have little things throughout the story, like the chinaberry tree being struck by lightning, symbolizing or foreshadowing a great change about to occur, the shrimps that Bobinot buys for his wife, as a symbol of his desire to please her, and his fear of her disapproval.  The mud on the shoes that he and his son track into the house, as a symbol of the displeasure of Calixta in her station as a housewife, that is associated with her husband and son....if you look closely, you can use many things as symbols.

I hope that those thoughts helped; good luck!

How do symbols function in Kate Chopin's "The Storm" and "At the Cadian Ball"?

Both of these short stories, which feature different snapshots of the life of a man and a woman, feature symbols that have both expected and unexpected meanings. For example, in "At the 'Cadian Ball," Alcee is described as trying to take from Calixta her ring and she clenches her fist to stop him. Symbolically, this can be viewed as the way that in spite of their passion for each other their relationship will not be allowed to develop along conventional lines. In "The Storm" however it becomes clear that the storm itself is a powerful symbol of their repressed longing for each other. Note how they satisfy that longing alongside the hammering of the storm:

They did not heed the crashing torrents, and the roar of the elements made her laugh as she lay in his arms. She was a revelation to him in that dim, mysterious chamber; as white as the couch she lay upon.

Their sexual activity is clearly symbolised in the roaring of the storm. Yet one unexpected symbolic meaning that can be identified in this symbol is the way that after the storm, both Alcee and Calixta are shown to return to their spouses with love and fondness. Marriages need a good storm to clear the air and bring back happiness just like the weather does, Chopin seems to be suggesting.