A strong low pressure system could bring the Northern Shenandoah Valley significant rainfall Wednesday and Thursday.

Luis Rosa, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service's regional office in Sterling, estimated 1½ inches, based on computer forecast models Monday.

"That should be beneficial rainfall," Rosa said, enough to alleviate an ongoing regional drought.

Such a large amount hasn't fallen in the Winchester area from one system since July, he pointed out.

An unofficial rain gauge at The Winchester Star's offices downtown recorded 1.4 inches of rain on July 16 followed by 1.2 inches on July 30.

Only 1.45 inches fell during all of August, followed by 1.6 inches throughout September. So far this month, only 0.4 inches have fallen, the gauge showed.

Rosa said it's possible for t

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