it rained a lot vs it rained so much

Examples:

• It rained a lot yesterday.
• We canceled the picnic because it rained a lot.
• The roads were flooded because it rained a lot.
• I love the sound of rain when it rained a lot.
• The plants are thriving because it rained a lot this month.

Alternatives:

• It poured down heavily.
• It was raining cats and dogs.
• It was a deluge.
• It was a downpour.
• It was a torrential rain.

Examples:

• It rained so much that the streets were flooded.
• I couldn't go out because it rained so much.
• The fields were soaked because it rained so much last night.
• We had to postpone the outdoor event because it rained so much.
• The river overflowed its banks because it rained so much.

Alternatives:

• It poured down in abundance.
• It was a rainfall of epic proportions.
• It was a deluge of rain.
• It was a downpour of rain.
• It was a torrential downpour.