Special weather statements have been issued for much of the southwest corner of B.C., which is expected to see rain and strong winds over the next few days.

The weather could damage trees that are still recovering from a drier-than-normal summer, according to the national weather agency.

Environment Canada posted the notices for almost all of Vancouver Island, Metro Vancouver, Howe Sound, the North Shore and the Sunshine Coast on Thursday morning.

Meterologists say the wet weather is coming in a one-two punch.

The first round is expected to start Thursday afternoon, petering off overnight. The second, heavier rain spell will begin on Friday and continue until Saturday.

Up to 100 millimetres is forecast for some areas over the three days.

Communities near the Strait of Georgia could also see winds of up to 60 km/h — gusts strong enough to put weak trees at risk.

Meterologist Bobby Sekhon said it should be the South Coast's first big rainfall of the season.

"Certainly, it can be a concern for anybody who's not prepared for the fall storm cycle," he said.

Strong winds could be enough to damage trees already weakened by a drier-than-normal summer, according to Environment Canada. (Michael Hillman/CBC)

In 2015, an extreme, first-of-the-fall storm felled more than 500 trees in Vancouver alone.

Brian Quinn, director of park operations for the Vancouver Park Board, said drought-like conditions around southern B.C. contributed to the severity of the damage that year.

After that, the city said it was reassessing the types of trees it plants, looking for species that can better tolerate extreme heat and drought.

A man pushing a young girl in a stroller walks past a large tree that was downed during a windstorm in downtown Vancouver on Aug. 29, 2015. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)

Further north in the province, several areas have already seen snow.

A cold front brought flurries to Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Prince George on Sept. 11 — nearly two weeks before the first official day of fall.

With files from Megan Thomas

Read more from CBC British Columbia