Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 176; Flight Crew Type 15000
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Airspace Structure; Weather
I was instructed by Center to turn left and leave the airspace because the area was going hot for the military. My only recourse was to refuse. There were Level 5 thunderstorms on either side and behind us that we were able to circumnavigate. Once we were committed to the route we had chosen; there was no turning back without severe structural damages to the aircraft and passengers.
Air carrier flight crew deviated from an ATC request in order to avoid severe weather.