PA-32 Cherokee Six/Lance/Saratoga/6X
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Weather
Upon check on of Aircraft X; the pilot said that he did not have weather RADAR on board and that any vectors would be appreciated. I explained the area of precipitation to him at his 12 o'clock and that it was indicating moderate to heavy precipitation. Pilot acknowledged and asked if I had any recommendations; which I stated that I haven't had anybody in his area but I was worried about weather around Greensboro which I issued a new route to help avoid. When the aircraft was within 5 miles of the issued ban of weather; my NEXRAD updated to indicate an extreme precipitation area on the western side of previously issued cell; and I told Aircraft X to fly a heading of 360 to avoid. Pilot said that he immediately encountered and updraft of 300 feet. I released altitude to his discretion as it was available. Upon exit of cell; pilot said he encountered severe turbulence; +300 feet and +/- 20kts. An urgent PIREP was filed. I know it's impossible at this stage; but a continuously updating weather RADAR would be extremely beneficial in this situation and many others where we need to provide service to airplanes without weather RADAR on board. Until that happens; I will vector these airplanes into areas of no depicted precipitation in order to avoid the previous situation.
ZDC Controller described a severe weather encounter and unsafe situation by a General Aviation aircraft being vectored. The reporter indicated that improved weather information for ATC is critical.