In the UK, we perhaps don't see the same frequency and intensity as in continental Europe but they can still be a spectacle. As a youngster, like many children, I found the sound of thunder quite frightening and my late Mum never got over her dislike of thunderstorms. Now I'm much older and I'm not at all bothered by them but I wouldn't like to be stuck outdoors in the torrential downpours and all hell breaking loose above. From inside, you can appreciate the awesome sight and soundof Mother Nature getting arsey!
The local feral pigeons always seem to know when a storm is brewing. They suddenly take off en masse from the rooftop opposite my home and fly supersonic (or so it appears) to shelter. They are fast fliers anyway but really speed up when the shit is about to hit the fan.