Medium Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Troubleshooting; Time Pressure; Confusion; Workload; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airspace Structure; Weather; Procedure
Departing ZZZ to PHX north west of the BEATTY VORTAC we painted a line of severe thunderstorms along our route. The longest route around these storms would have taken us a long way to the south of our route. My captain and I discussed the best course of action and requested left of course for weather upon which ATC replied 'left of course approved.' At some point soon after ATC came on with an urgent voice and said 'ZZZZZ you need to turn right immediately or you will be entering a Restricted Area.' We then proceeded to make about a 90-100 degree turn back to our right and continue to go-around the line of thunderstorms the long way to the south. Nothing was mentioned by ATC after the fact nor did we think twice about it after the fact; we were busy trying to avoid flying into a severe thunderstorm. Although we are aware of where special use airspace is our instruments do not tell us the exact boundaries of these areas. We as pilots rely on ATC to be our eyes and ears for these types of things especially during adverse weather conditions. In the future I will query ATC if I am in doubt of where a special use airspace boundary may be and avoid any issues.
An air carrier crew enroute to PHX was allowed a deviation left of course near BTY for weather and then ATC issued an immediate right turn more than 90 degrees to avoid entering a restricted area.