can you describe its life cycle?
The developing stage - masses of moisture are lifted upwards into the atmosphere;  the mature stage - the warmed air continues to rise until it reaches an area of warmer air and can rise no farther; and the dissipation stage - downbursts.
Thunderstorm
All thunderstorms, regardless of type, go through three stages: the developing stage, the mature stage, and the dissipation stage. The average thunderstorm has a diameter. Depending on the conditions present in the atmosphere, each of these three stages take an average of 30 minutes.
what is a common feature of many weather systems responsible for floods in north america Due to a thunderstorm
wiki:13484140
Thunderstorm [SEP] Life cycle
Meteorological indices such as convective available potential energy (CAPE) and the lifted index can be used to assist in determining potential upward vertical development of clouds. Generally, thunderstorms require three conditions to form: All thunderstorms, regardless of type, go through three stages: the developing stage, the mature stage, and the dissipation stage. The average thunderstorm has a diameter. Depending on the conditions present in the atmosphere, each of these three stages take an average of 30 minutes.