Tropical Storm Colin proved to be a big rainmaker for Liberty and Long counties, but the region was spared from major damage.

The worst of the storm was actually more than 200 miles from the center, as intense rain bands pummeled Liberty and Long counties for several hours Monday afternoon and evening.

By the time the storm passed through coastal Georgia and reached the Atlantic, it brought only gusty winds and light to moderate rain overnight Monday into Tuesday. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph.

The worst flooding in Hinesville came on Mary Lou Drive. The timing of the rain made it difficult for parents to pick up their children from the Liberty County/Armed Services branch of the YMCA, but an alternate route was opened and all children were successfully reunited with their parents or guardians.

David Duke, the chief Liberty County ranger for the Georgia Forestry Commission, said Tuesday that the weather station at his office just south of Midway got slightly more than 2 inches from 6 p.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday and 2.6 inches from 6 p.m. Monday to Tuesday morning.

He said the rain has not caused any problems in his area, and that it actually was beneficial.

“We’ve got enough rain now that we’re not having many fires,” he said.

Liberty County Emergency Management Agency Director Mike Hodges said Tuesday that nearly 5 inches of rain fell on Hinesville.

By noon Tuesday, the sun was out, and patchy clouds and wet spots on the ground were all that was left of Tropical Storm Colin’s visit.

The forecast over the next several days calls for mostly clear skies with highs in the low 90s and lows in the upper 60s to low 70s and no rain chance until the weekend.