Violent winds leave worker dangling from Edmonton skyscraper

Winds gusting as high as 172 km/h raked across Alberta on Friday afternoon, causing widespread damage and sending a pair of workers on one downtown Edmonton building on a terrifying ride.

Two window washers had to be rescued from outside the Stantec Tower after their carriage malfunctioned, whipping the pair back and forth above the street, shattering windows as it crashed into the building several times, and leaving one of the workers dangling from his safety harness.

No one was injured in the incident, which took place just before 1 p.m., local time. Edmonton International Airport, south of the city, reported a gust of 80 km/h Friday afternoon. Stations closer to the city centre have reported numerous gusts near 50 km/h.

The strongest winds tore across southern Alberta, closer to the foothills, toppling high-profile vehicles and spurring multiple grass fires near High River.

WATCH BELOW: BATTLING FAST-MOVING GRASS FIRES IN ALBERTA

Fortis Alberta reported numerous power outages across the southern part of the province.

WATCH BELOW: THAT'S NOT SNOW, THAT'S DUST GETTING KICKED UP BY INTENSE ALBERTA WINDS

Thumbnail courtesy: Kristine/@PiceSeas