Date: 202103
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: ZZZ.ARTCC, US
Aircraft: Commercial Fixed Wing
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Flight phase: Cruise
Airspace: Class A ZZZ
ATC / advisory: Center ZZZ
Reporter organization: Government
Reporter function: Enroute
Anomaly: Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Contributing factors: Weather; Human Factors; Environment - Non Weather Related
Primary problem: Weather

Narrative: Aircraft X was a departure from ZZZ [Airport] enroute to ZZZ1 [Airport]. The aircraft checked on frequency climbing to 14;000. I acknowledged the aircraft; issued them normal airspeed and the local altimeter setting. There was weather south of my sector; but I did not depict any weather along Aircraft X's route of flight. Prior to ZZZZZ waypoint; the aircraft was level at 14;000. I was working a normal amount of departure volume. However; due to COVID staffing; I was working a combined sector. 2 Low Altitude sectors; and 1 High Altitude sector; which has been common during COVID. The difficult part is that we typically work the low altitude sectors on around a 50 mile range; but since we have the high altitude sector; we need to have the combined sector using a 150 mile range. As Aircraft X was right over ZZZZZ; I noticed moderate precipitation was beginning to appear; but I did not have time to issue the weather before the pilot reported turbulence. The pilot stated they were in moderate and basically severe turbulence and asked for a vector or different altitude. I immediately descended the aircraft to 13;000 and coordinated with the next sector; since they had track control. I again asked the pilot if they need anything and they asked for a lower altitude. I coordinated with ZZZ Approach; to point out the aircraft descending to 10;000 due to the turbulence. I then descended the aircraft and asked the pilots if there was any damage or injuries. The pilot stated that he and the other pilot were the only ones onboard and they were not injured and did not suspect any damage to the aircraft. When the aircraft was level any 10;000 and clear of the now depicted weather; I asked the pilot again how they were doing. They said that the ride had improved. A short time later; the weather in that area grew rapidly to moderate and heavy precipitation.  I transferred communications of Aircraft X to the next sector. After the incident; I needed to vector numerous other aircraft away from that hazardous weather.COVID schedules; low staffing and long time on position were all contributing factors. My area has been extremely short staffed during our COVID schedule and tonight was no exception. We only had 5 CPCs scheduled for the shift; and also needed to staff the CIC position all night. There were numerous instances when all 5 controllers were working over 2 hours on position and we had 4 sectors open; plus the CIC and no controllers on break.The fact that I was working a non-typical configuration (outside of COVID) was also a contributing factor. I was not able to have a normal range for my sector and if I was using a low altitude scope and map; I may have noticed the weather earlier and issued it quicker to the aircraft.COVID schedules; minimal staffing; working long sessions on position and controllers continuously having to staff the CIC position have created additional strain and fatigue on the controllers.




Synopsis: Center Controller reported an aircraft was in severe turbulence and was descended out of the altitude for safety.  Reported stated it was a difficult situation to deal with due to COVID scheduling/staffing and working a combined position.