What is normal? For whom? For those with PTSD, this is the "norm."
I was secondarily traumatized by Hurricane Andrew, and each major storm that comes through. (I was injured initially in a thunderstorm) and both my dog and I get into the closet for any big storm. He's 12 and I'm 52. During spring storm season, pillows, a flashlight, a battery radio, etc. are all there ahead of time. The wireless phone (and now computer too) will go with us. We leave the light on (have flashlight in case power goes) and turn the radio up loud to drown out the thunder if we can. The lights are so we don't "see" the lightening. During hurricane season the accordian shutters stay closed on the room and help much, but it's still the closet for a storm.

No, not normal response for the average person without PTSD.

Now that you know (what you already knew) how can we help you?