Describe symbolism in The Dog of the South by Charles Portis

In Chapter Thirtyeen, the storm signals the beginning of the climax to the plot but can also be seen as symbolic of Ray's life to this point. Descriptions of debris flying randomly everywhere and the futile efforts to prevent flooding and destruction with a limited supply of people and vehicles, seem to describe as well the debris in Ray's existence and his apparent willingness to be carried by a storm of events, succumbing to merely reacting rather than launching effective proactive measures based upon some overall goal or plan.