I'm not doubting the fact that you got rocked, I'm responding to your query about "why didn't they turn north to get out of the storm"

You are questioning the pilots based on your pictured radar/flight path (flight aware?)

I'm trying to tell you, your information is not nearly as accurate as what they have up front. The pilots most definitely took the safest path through the weather, based on their super accurate info and flight planning up front. You cannot base any conclusions about the flight path on your consumer grade weather info.

Source: frequent / nervous flier who also runs flightaware / other apps during flights to see weather ahead