Board Thread:Questions and Answers/@comment-58.9.12.43-20130521141702/@comment-9201217-20130521152114

No, there is no exact timer for alerts. Alerts were designed to be a dynamic part of the game. The system is not controlled by SOE or any outside forces. The system initiates when one continent becomes to overpopulated.

My advice: Hang out at an empty continent, and wait till the alert comes in. That's how I do it.

If you want to take the money route, you could upgrade your membership, and you could be put in front of the line for full continents.