meaning of "Pouring rain"

[Wsevolod]

English Grammar Error, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #20 "Singular vs. Plural Nouns", question 8

I've been walking for ages in the pouring rain and as a consequence my clothes is wet through.

(a) for
(b) pouring
(c) is

English Grammar Error, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #20 "Singular vs. Plural Nouns", answer 8

I've been walking for ages in the pouring rain and as a consequence my clothes are wet through.

Correct entry: are
The error was: (c) is
_________________________

Why is it here used "pouring rain"?

Wsevolod

[Mister Micawber]

.
Pouring rain = hard rain.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber