Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 158; Flight Crew Type 933
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Weather
We encountered severe turbulence last about 5 seconds in clouds while deviating around thunderstorms. The radar was on and operational but was not painting strong echoes on our current flight path. The turbulence was immediate (went from very light to severe instantaneously). The aircraft initially rolled about 25 degrees to the left and lost about 200 feet. The auto pilot and auto throttles self-disconnected. The command bars disappeared from view. The First Officer (PF) manually rolled the wings level and climbed back to altitude. After the turbulence subsided the flight directors; auto throttle and auto pilot were re-engaged. The seat belt sign was on and according to the flight attendants all passengers were seated at the occurrence time. The flight attendants took their seats immediately. I made a re-enforcing PA to the passengers to adhere to the seatbelt sign. Once the aircraft was back under control with the auto pilot on I called the lead FA to make sure everyone was ok. She verified all FAs were ok and not injured. I asked about passenger injuries. She said she'd check and get back to me. One passenger had spilled hot water on her hand and fingers. The flight attendants administered ice and Neosporin. I made a severe turbulence PIREP to ATC and they asked about damage or injuries. I stated no apparent damage and one passenger injury including the extent. I contacted dispatch regarding the turbulence and passenger injury and dispatch made arrangements for paramedics to meet the flight. A severe turbulence write up was entered in the logbook and sent via ACARS to Maintenance Control. I communicated with the Duty Manager via ACARS as well.
B737 Captain reported encountering severe turbulence at FL350 while deviating around thunderstorms.