UPDATE: 5 p.m.
A new lava flow opened up in Leilani Estates in lower Puna shortly after 4 p.m., prompting Hawaii County Civil Defense officials to start evacuating residents.
A plume shot up over the large East Hawaii subdivision. The evacuation area stretches from Luana Street to Pohoiki Road, said Kanani Aton of Civil Defense.
American Red Cross officials said they are opening a shelter at the Pahoa Community Center for residents evacuated from their homes due to the lava threat.