Under which condition can local noise significantly affect thunderstorm reporting?

Local noise can significantly affect thunderstorm reporting during the beginning phases of the storm because this is when the thunder can initially be soft or faint, making it more susceptible to being obscured or drowned out by other sounds. At the storm's onset, the intensity and character of thunder may not yet be well established, leading to challenges in accurately reporting its presence. This phenomenon is notable because early thunder can easily be confused with ambient sounds, especially in areas with high background noise levels.

In contrast, when high winds are present, the loudness of the wind can mask thunder, but it's not specifically a condition tied to the initial phases of the storm. Observing lightning doesn't directly relate to reporting thunder and does not involve the auditory aspects that could be masked by local noise. Lastly, when thunder is faintly heard, it is indeed challenging to gauge its intensity, yet the emphasis on the beginning phases recognizes the unique characteristics of thunder during storm onset which make accurate reporting more difficult amidst competing sounds.