TRYON, N.C. -- Authorities say two people were killed when a tree fell on a vehicle in North Carolina amid rain from Subtropical Storm Alberto.

• Happened near Tryon, North Carolina.
• An anchor and photographer from WYFF-TV were the victims
• Authorities: Tree uprooted due to heavy rains.

The vehicle wrecked on U.S. Highway 176 near Tryon, not far from where a landslide killed a woman in her Polk County home on May 19 after heavy rains.

WYFF-TV in Greenville, South Carolina, says Mike McCormick and Aaron Smeltzer were the victims.

It happened while the two were covering rains in Polk County.

McCormick had worked for the station for over 11 years. Smeltzer just joined the station in February, but had worked in the region for more than a decade.

"The very last thing that I said to him five days ago was 'I miss you buddy.' And he said the same thing," said Smelzer's former co-worker Diane Lee.

Authorities say the tree became uprooted from soil loosened by days of recent rains.

In a statement, Governor Roy Cooper 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 needs to take Alberto seriously. I urge everyone to keep a close eye on forecasts, warnings and road conditions, especially in western North Carolina where even heavier rain is predicted through tomorrow."

Radar data from the National Weather Service shows Subtropical Storm Alberto has caused about 1 to 2 inches of rain to fall in the area in the past day.

Forecasters warn even heavier rain is likely, which could cause more mudslides.