Missing Weather Alert Notification System

To help protect individuals who may be endangered due to extreme environmental conditions, North Carolina developed the Missing Weather Alert to quickly locate missing persons exposed to severe weather risks.

The Missing Weather Alert is designed to rapidly disseminate descriptive information about a missing person who may be at risk due to extreme heat, extreme cold, or significant weather events, allowing the public to assist law enforcement by reporting relevant information.

The program is a cooperative effort among local and state law enforcement and the N.C. Center for Missing Persons, with voluntary participation by radio and television broadcasters and the N.C. Department of Transportation.

The North Carolina General Assembly formally established the program in 2007 by General Statute § 143B-1776; it is operated through the N.C. Center for Missing Persons.

Request An Alert

Active Alerts

There are currently no active alerts.

FAQ

The following statutory criteria must be met before the N.C. Center for Missing Persons will activate a Missing Weather Alert:

The Missing Weather Alert provides a statewide system for the rapid dissemination of information regarding a missing person who may be at increased risk due to extreme weather conditions.
Criteria:

  • The missing person is on foot and not believed to be in a vehicle.

  • The missing person is exposed to extreme heat (Heat Index ≥ 100°F) or extreme cold (Temperature or wind chill ≤ 32°F), or is missing immediately following a significant weather event.

  • The missing person has been reported missing to law enforcement within the last 72 hours.

Step 1 - Local Law Enforcement Investigates

When a family member or concerned individual reports a missing person, local law enforcement must investigate the case and determine whether the circumstances meet the criteria for a Missing Weather Alert.

Step 2 - Local Law Enforcement

  • Enter information into the National Criminal Information Center system

  • Initiate a statewide Be On the Look Out (BOLO) bulletin

  • Provide a 24-hour contact number during the investigation

  • After determining the case meets qualifying criteria, law enforcement will submit a request for a Missing Weather Alert through the NCCMP website (https://nccmp.ncshp.gov)

  • Once the missing person has been located, the requesting agency will complete the cancellation in the NCCMP system.

NC Center for Missing Persons Responsibilities

  • Review and approve or deny alert requests

  • Notify the requesting agency of the decision

  • Manage alert updates through the NCCMP website

  • File a police report immediately.
  • Request a BOLO bulletin.
  • If the missing person may be exposed to extreme weather conditions, ask law enforcement to consider requesting a Missing Weather Alert.

N.C. Center for Missing Persons: 1-800-522-5437