not so much lack of storms but decreased activity reflected in fewer sunspots.
Yeah , the scientists called that the "Maunder Minimum".
I have the impression that the lack of solar flares, and resulting lack of magnetism impacts on flowing air currents (which come from the West, and going easterly)
thus failing to oscillate between hemispheres to temper the weather / climate / rainfall, etc.).
That would also impact on the amount of snowfall (soil moisture), rainfall (soil moisture, underground groundwater reserves) as well as moderating ambient air temperatures.
Maybe Joe Bastardi (climatologist)at weatherbell.com will address some of these issue in his upcoming Saturday summary tomorrow
since this is recent news and supports his anti-global warming thesis.