San Diego Sets 2027 Flood Trial Dates for 50 Lawsuits as Super El Niño Threatens New Damage
Updated
Updated · inewsource · Aug 7
San Diego Sets 2027 Flood Trial Dates for 50 Lawsuits as Super El Niño Threatens New Damage
3 articles · Updated · inewsource · Aug 7
Summary
More than 50 coordinated lawsuits tied to San Diego’s January 2024 floods are moving ahead, with Phase 1.1 set for February and later phases scheduled for March and May.
Nearly 2,000 victims allege the city, county, school district and other public entities failed to maintain channels, culverts and drains that overflowed and displaced more than 1,000 people.
An extra $1 million has been added for channel clearing and storm readiness, and crews plan to inspect more than 30,000 storm-drain inlets, but some residents say clogged waterways remain unfinished.
Funding gaps still loom: the stormwater department faces a $55.6 million shortfall this fiscal year, projected to widen to $2 billion by 2031, while a key Southcrest flood-control project is not due until around 2031.
Scientists are warning of an extreme El Niño in late 2026 and early 2027 that could bring larger winter storms, leaving many 2024 flood victims still rebuilding as another wet season approaches.