(CNN)Alberto was downgraded to a subtropical depression Monday night, after drenching the Southeast with rain and killing at least two people.
Despite weakening to a depression, the threat from Alberto remained from possible flooding and heavy rains. Storm watches and warnings were discontinued for coastal regions, but those inland remained in effect. Alberto will continue its course north bringing heavy rain to Alabama through the Tennessee Valley on Tuesday.
On Monday, two people — a news anchor Mike McCormick and photojournalist Aaron Smeltzer, of Greenville, South Carolina-based CNN affiliate WYFF — were killed in Polk County, North Carolina. A tree fell on their SUV as they covered the hazardous weather, the station said.
“Two journalists working to keep the public informed about this storm have tragically lost their lives, and we mourn with their families, friends and colleagues,” North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement. “North Carolina needs to take Alberto seriously.”