Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Weather
FL350 we encountered severe turbulence in IMC. Momentary loss of control led to course and altitude deviations about 30 degrees and 500 ft. We likely entered the tops of building convection not seen on radar. Given the scenario it would be tough to identify how we could have avoided the turbulence. A more thorough preflight weather briefing and communication with Dispatch and ATC could have possibly helped.
Embraer first officer reported altitude and heading deviations caused by unanticipated turbulence.