There is definitely something missing from our weather. I too remember storms that used to roll in a take all night to move on. I was born in the late 80s, and i was petrified of storms throughout my childhood till i got locked outside in one! I've not seen a storm that lasts longer than 10-15 minutes since 2000/2001. I remember in 2001, one of the last storms i remember me and my mates were at Shire Oak Park (Sandhills) in Brownhills. We heard distant rumbles getting closer and closer, we looked across towards Lichfield and then turned to look towards Walsall the sky was full of lightening, I've never run home so quick in my life! By the time i got home the sky was green! That was the last proper storm i remember.