The main key is D minor, and the form is three-part.

• A [a (measures 1-8) + a (measures 9-16) + b (measures 17-20) + a (measures 21-28)]
• B [c (measures 29-36) + transition (measures 37-44)]
• A [a1 (measures 45-52) + a1 (measures 53-60) + b (measures 61-64) + a (measures 65-72)]
• Coda (measures 73-84)

At the beginning, the storm-like, swirling, ascending unison passage immediately evokes the atmosphere suggested by the work's title. This is an 8-measure phrase, a theme that begins in D minor and ends in A minor. After a short ascending and descending phrase 'b', the theme is restated, this time concluding in D minor.

In phrase B, the left-hand bass undulates eerily with stepwise ascending and descending motion, providing a momentary calm. This phrase, typical of Romantic works, is characterized by an imperfect cadence starting from the subdominant.

From measure 41, tension gradually builds, leading to the recapitulation of the theme at measure 45. At this point, the swirling motif of the theme is played in octaves in unison, further emphasizing it. The coda develops the motif from phrase B and concludes in tranquility.