Incident Overview
During a flight deviation around thunderstorm cells, the aircraft encountered heavy turbulence. At the time, cabin attendants were conducting beverage service. Passengers had been advised to fasten their seat belts, and the 'Fasten Seat Belts' lights were illuminated. There is no evidence of any effort by the crew to suspend the cabin beverage service.
Weather Conditions and Warnings
Convective SIGMETs and weather forecasts provided adequate warning of thunderstorm activity along the aircraft's proposed route. At the time of the incident, radar data placed the aircraft between two cells of moderate to very heavy intensity, located less than 10 miles apart.
Flight Crew and Cabin Actions
Despite the turbulence and warnings, the cabin service continued. The crew did not suspend the beverage service; no evidence suggests any action to halt it. The fasten seat belt sign had been turned on, indicating that passengers should remain seated. However, the cabin attendants were still moving through the cabin with service.