Fireworks lit up the night sky above Washington, D.C., as the United States celebrated the 250th anniversary of its independence.

Thousands gathered along the National Mall to watch the display after earlier storms forced a temporary evacuation of the area and disrupted celebrations in parts of the East Coast.

The capital's annual Fourth of July fireworks went ahead later in the evening, marking the milestone anniversary with a colourful display over some of the country's most recognisable landmarks.