Storm Gust consists of 81 (9x9) individual 1x1 area of effects (AoEs) with a splash radius of 1. Each sub-AoE has directional knockback away from the center, whereas the centerpoint knockback is westbound.

These sub-AoEs are processed from west to east then south to north. This order influences the knockback direction where the sub-AoEs overlap with a preference to the northeast. Similarly, a prior instance of Storm Gust overrides a subsequent cast over the same area until it expires.

It is notable that this preference is influenced by Gambantein and Magnetic Earth, as "punching a hole" in Storm Gust can expose otherwise overriden sub-AoEs. It is also notable that, although Gambantein dispels a 3x3 area, only a 1x1 area is exposed due to the AoE splash.

Each sub-AoE continuously scans for enemies. When an enemy is found, the sub-AoE inflicts water magic damage, increments the enemy's frost counter, and grants a brief immunity to Storm Gust. When an enemy receives three frost counters, the frost counter is reset and Storm Gust inflicts freeze by chance. Boss monsters receive an additional wave of damage and increment the frost counter instead. Consequently, against boss monsters, after the third wave every other wave of Storm Gust is accompanied by a "bonus wave" for up to 15 waves.