WBRZ - Baton Rouge

Mayor-President Kip Holden has declared a "state of emergency" for East Baton Rouge Parish, in preparation of Tropical Storm Bonnie.

The declaration allows the city and parish to take quicker action in response to the storm, like paying overtime, arranging for debris cleanup, and stocking supplies.

President Pro-Tem Mike Walker signed the declaration this morning, at the request of Mayor Holden, who is out of town.

Officials say Holden is in communication with city-parish officials and is monitoring the storm.