(Charleston AFB) – The Charleston Air Force Base is in the process of evacuating all operational C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from their facilities due to impending severe weather.

Officials will move the aircraft Wednesday to Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

Base officials said they evacuated the aircraft to ensure the airlift mission around the world will continue during the duration of Tropical Storm Ernesto.

Captain Christopher Moore at the Charleston Air Force Base said all inbound military flights have been diverted from the air base. He said the base is currently in Hurricane Condition 3 (which means winds greater than 50 knots possible within 48 hours) and the continue monitoring weather reports for further information.

There has not been a mandatory evacuation order for people at this time; however some facilities will be closed Thursday. Closed facilities include: the base exchange, commissary and legal office. The medical group, including the base pharmacy, will close at noon Thursday. People heading to the base Thursday are encouraged to call the office they are visiting to ensure they will be open.