The controller stated, the quickest way through the weather was on a
heading of 330-degrees. The pilot stated, "alright sir we'll go to three
thirty and we'll slow down a little bit." A short time later the
controller informed the pilot that it appeared the airplane was
encountering some up drafts. The controller told the pilot there were no
targets around his altitude, and he should be out of the weather in
about 10 miles. The pilot acknowledged the transmission. The controller
made a radio call in the blind stating that radar contact was lost 30
miles northeast of Memphis. He further stated, if you can hear, suggest
a heading of northwest bound to get through the weather. You are in an
area of level four and level five thunderstorms.