A321
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Weather
ZZZZZ3 Arrival into ZZZ; just over ZZZZZ1 Intersection; told by ATC to fly present heading; maintain 9;000 feet; and to expect Runway XXR due to weather moving east of the airport. Weather radar indicated moderate precipitation (no convection activity) for about 5 miles; no red and no turbulence indications. At that time we observed some static off the nose of the aircraft; then either a lightning strike or static discharge. We also experienced a shot duration of moderate turbulence; aircraft descended approximately 300 feet; then returned to assigned altitude. Flight landed without incident. No initial lighting damage noted by maintenance; but aircraft taken out of service for further inspection. WSI was also being utilized and no lightning was indicated in the vicinity of our aircraft flight path.
A320 Captain reported an altitude excursion and a possible lightning strike or static discharge during approach flying through weather/turbulence.