Tropical Storm Bill began drenching the parts of Alabama Monday as it moved on shore near New Orleans, and Pike County remains under a flash flood watch today.

"It looks like the current forecast calls for the tropical storm to dissipate and the remnants come across the northern portion of Alabama during (today), and that will lead to numerous showers and thunderstorms across a lot of Alabama," said Mark Linhares, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

"There could be some heavy rain and it's going to be a little tricky - as with any tropical system there's a potential for damaging winds or small tornadoes," he said.

However, Linhares said the most potential for severe weather would be closer to the center of the storm's remnant.

"Typically as these things move farther inland, the best chance is going to be closer to the center of the remnant, so the best chance for severe weather and tornadoes is going to be farther north, but I wouldn't rule anything out. These things are also usually short lived, but like any other tornado, they can cause damage and injuries," he said.

Linhares said the best thing people in the state could do is to pay attention to the weather and take precautions throughout the day.

As of 7 p.m. Monday, total rainfall in Troy was .43 inches.

"That may increase before the day is out. The potential is there to get several more inches today, between one and three inches would probably be the maximum in Troy," Linhares said.