Because the storm appears within seconds of the Mechane appearing within a region Thor is allowed to manifest within and shooting lightning bolts that actually turn in mid air to avoid the lightning rod. That is some magic bullet dynamics, right there.
I mean, come on, the strip specifically says the storm is Thor's doing, so I'm not sure how or why you are attempting to argue it isn't.
Because That is inconsistent with Durkon's character.What's wrong with Durkon (again, even unvamparized) simply assuming that Thor is having some fun, had no idea one of his clerics was going to be placed in danger by this fun