Abstract: An Alert/Warning Interface resides in a set top box, which is coupled to a user's television, and an Information Server located in the cable plant origination center or head-end. The end user of the set top box is able to configure a profile that includes weather areas to be monitored, roads traveled, and schools their children attend. This profile is stored on the Information Server, along with the profiles of all other users. The Information Server monitors for alert conditions, such as bad weather, traffic jams, and school closings. If any of these events occurs, a message is sent to the set top box associated with a profile indicating the current error condition. Upon receipt of an Alert message, the set top box places an icon (or other graphic) in a predetermined portion of the screen (e.g., a top/bottom corner) indicating an alert has occurred. The user can then switch to the Alert screen view, at which time the Alert icon turns off.