Always tried to stay 10nm from a CB especially on the downwind side because of hail falling out of the overhang....
It's a gamble... once diverted 300nm off track before we realised we were avoiding ground returns.
Think the boys on the 1-11 were the bravest as they flew the Berlin corridor - no deviations allowed especially after the Russkies shot up Air France.
Wx radar is only a guide as have flown through cells which didn't paint but were extremely active.....and vicky versa