Living in south-central Kansas I can tell you the storm cellar is more of a farm/rural thing from the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. You don't see them as much since it is very cheap to include building a basement when you build a house.

My grandmother used to tell me stories about having to go to the storm cellar when a storm was coming. The first person down the hole always had to lead with a shotgun to take out the snakes.

Cheers,
Bill