Thanks GL.

The NOAA >1880 chart showing greater numbers of severe storms before and after the IR/fossil fuel boom is still hard to ignore. 

And due to the lack of recorded data before the late 19th century, sediment data appears to be the best method in determining the frequency and severity of storms <1880.

On a side note- I found it interesting how back in 2002 that NYT's story actually treated the sediment study's findings- which would go against today's GW narrative- with respect.   

Ah the good old days...