Leper: Leprosy symbolizes the defilement of sin which results in separation from God and the community. The leper in the wilds of the wasteland is a symbol of the uncivilized, primitive, and hostile world in which the men are venturing. Such a man is indeed an ominous sign.
Storm: The storm is a symbol of the fantastic power of nature and of how Lidenbrock cannot control natural events, even if he wishes to do so.
If this is USA Test Prep there is most likely a hint button on the bottom left which will help, but in this certain instance the passage says he has a distaste for the opposite sex.