A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation - Speed All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Weather; Procedure
I was pilot flying. At approximately 4000 feet MSL and 220 KIAS with flaps up (anticipated some turbulence); being vectored for approach and landing at CLT; we were instructed to make a 310 degree left turn and encountered heavy rain; windshear and severe turbulence. Wind increased 60 knots - 80 knots and airspeed increased to 280 knots - 300 knots. Altitude plus or minus 500 feet and bank angle exceeded 45 degrees with full; opposite side-stick input. Requested an immediate turn and a climb to exit turbulence. I was hand flying and modulating thrust in and out of TOGA (Takeoff Go-Around); MCT (Maximum Continuous Thrust) and CLB (Climb) power to maintain aircraft control. Diverted to ZZZ for fuel with an uneventful landing. Severe turbulence maintenance inspection performed. No damage found.We were monitoring all available weather information during cruise and descent. We had some concerns about the cold front and associated weather moving into the CLT area. None of our available weather resources prepared us for the severity of what we eventually encountered. WSI (Weather Services International) and our own weather radar showed nothing more than light precipitation; and areas of turbulence were not accurately depicted on our radar. Our best source of information became PIREPs from aircraft in front of us. Simply put; its hard to avoid what we didn't know was there. Looking back on events; I would have given more weight to the disturbing reports we were hearing out in front of us and worked with my Captain to exit the CLT terminal environment sooner than we did.
A320 First Officer reported encountering severe weather/turbulence while being vectored for landing.