Explosions rock New Orleans riverfront

Massive explosions rocked the New Orleans riverfront a few miles south of the French Quarter this morning.

At about 4.35am (10.35am irish time) a series of massive explosions along the riverfront a few miles south of the French Quarter jolted residents awake.

The extent of any possible damage was not immediately known.

An initial explosion sent flames of red and orange shooting into the pre-dawn sky.

A series of smaller blasts followed, and then acrid, black smoke could be seen even in the dark.

The vibrations were felt all the way downtown.

The explosions appeared to originate close to the east bank of the Mississippi River, near a residential area and rail tracks.

At least two police boats were at the scene.