Speed Reads

This is terrible

2 journalists killed as Alberto makes landfall in Florida

Two journalists with the NBC affiliate WYFF were killed on Monday in Polk County, North Carolina, when a tree downed by Subtropical Storm Alberto fell on their SUV.

The station, based in Greenville, South Carolina, tweeted that its employees are "grieving. We are a family." The incident occurred just north of the South Carolina state line, NBC News reports, in an area considered dangerous and vulnerable to flash flooding. The victims have been identified as anchor Mike McCormick and photographer Aaron Smeltzer.

Alberto made landfall Monday afternoon near Laguna Beach, Florida, in the state's Panhandle. Heavy rains are expected in Florida and parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama, with forecasters saying there is the possibility of brief tornadoes as well. Alberto is maintaining its strength, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.