Why is freezing rain particularly dangerous regarding severe icing?

Freezing rain is particularly dangerous regarding severe icing primarily because the typical raindrop is much larger than cloud droplets. When temperatures are at or below freezing, the larger droplets of freezing rain hit surfaces and immediately freeze upon contact, leading to the formation of a significant layer of ice. This causes severe icing on aircraft wings and tail surfaces, significantly increasing weight and disrupting the aerodynamic properties that are critical for safe flight.

Moreover, the sheer volume of ice that can accumulate from larger raindrops presents a much greater risk compared to smaller cloud droplets. The intensity of icing from freezing rain can escalate quickly, creating hazardous conditions that can impede pilot control and reduce overall safety.

While other options touch on important aspects of flying conditions, they do not directly contribute to the specific threat posed by freezing rain as clearly as the size of the raindrops. Thus, understanding the nature of the raindrops and their impact on icing is crucial for assessing the dangers associated with freezing rain.