Final answer:
The control tower may allow approaches or departures with thunderstorms within 3 nautical miles of the airport, provided there's no hail.
Step-by-step explanation:
The control tower may authorize approaches or departures if thunderstorms are officially observed to be closer than 3 nautical miles from the airport as long as the thunderstorm is not producing hail at the airport.
This question pertains to aviation regulations and procedures, specifically those concerning weather conditions that could affect the safety of aircraft operations. Air traffic controllers must consider the proximity of thunderstorms to the airport and their severity when making decisions about aircraft departures and approaches, as thunderstorms can pose significant risks due to high winds, heavy rain, and hail.