Shallow and moderate convection (SAM) is difficult to observe in tropical cyclones.  It is generally not considered in theories of tropical cyclone development and intensification, in contrast to well-observed and much-studied deep convection.  The key development in tropical cyclones is the development of the core, with the end result the clear eye and deep convective eyewall of the mature tropical cyclone.  SAM is observed in developing eyewalls, where it was first documented as axisymmetric precipitation in the nascent eyewall as a marker for the onset of a period of rapid intensification culminating in a mature TC.  SAM is also prominent in eyewall development in Early Eyewall Replacement Cycles (ERCs), introduced in this presentation, which differ from classic ERCs and initiate at or near minimal hurricane intensity.  The observations presented here highlight the importance of SAM in development of the TC core, rapid or otherwise.