Bryan, Think of the clouds as signposts in the sky.
Different conditions cause different types of clouds to form.
This type of storm may contain very strong updrafts and downdrafts, making for a bumpy, if not dangerous flight. Lenticular clouds most commonly form as stable air is lifted over a mountain range, and then descends again. As the air is lifted, water vapor condenses, forming the cloud. As it descends, the cloud droplets return to their gaseous state. So, air is continually flowing through the cloud, but the water is changing state throughout the process.